My midseason ranking of the top 50 prospects in baseball is now up for Insiders.

Klaw: It’s the school exam and the kids have run away. Klawchat.

Dan: Bobby Bradley (Cle) did not earn a mention on your list. Has your opinion of him altered during this season, or is he progressing as you expected/hoped and is just a sub-57 prospect?
Klaw: Nothing new. He’s a 1b only guy with questions about his ability to make contact and hit for average.

Dan: Glad to see that Hunter Harvey (Bal) is still worth a mention (honorable) on your list. Did you see either of his Aberdeen starts? If not, have you heard anything to suggest that he is still (post injuries), or can become, the prospect that you had previously projected?
Klaw: I have not seen him yet, but I’ve heard the stuff is fully returned. He just has to show he can stay healthy, which he hasn’t done since his first full year in pro ball was cut short by injury.

Ken Naylor: With reports Jason Groome is in Boston taking his physical, if he signs, where does he rank on your Red Sox list?
Klaw: He’s going to sign – I’ve said that all along – and would be 5th in the system.

Marty: Would you include Eloy Jimenez in a deal for Andrew Miller? Or do you think the Cubs have enough other parts to get it done with the Yanks?
Klaw: I would not, not for what is likely to be about 20 innings + the playoffs of value this year. He has more time on his contract, of course, but you’re doing it primarily to win this year, and I think relievers in general are volatile commodites and he in particular could go at any moment.

Will: Are you alarmed by Javier Guerra’s K rate and overall offensive non-performance this season? Seems like a lost year for him.
Klaw: I’ve heard that he’s played like his head is not in the game at all. It’s a lost year so far and he needs to pull his head out.

Nick: By no means did I expect to see him in the top 50, but what are your thoughts on Jake Thompson? At this point, no reason for Philly to delay giving him a cup of coffee, right? (Trying not to just scout the stats though)
Klaw: I agree, he could come up at any time. Solid back-end starter, durable, lacking a real out pitch or a big fastball to make him more than that. But I like him for what he is and see him outperforming his stuff a little bit.

Pat: I am driving across the country next week. I’m not usually a books-on-tape guy, but do you have any recommendations for something that might be a good listen (from Audible, e.g.)?
Klaw: I do 5-10 audiobooks a year. The best one I’ve ever listened to is The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber. I also would recommend The Sixth Extinction, which won the 2014 Pulitzer for Non-fiction. (Post-chat addendum: Undeniable, written and read by Bill Nye, is also a fantastic listen.)

JD: Did I hear correctly that Dylan Cease touched 103? Could that be right?
Klaw: Yes. And last night Michael Kopech hit 105.

Brian: Keith, I don’t want to scout the stat line but have you heard any news about Nolan Watson for Lexington in the Royals system. Numbers have been pretty poor all season and wondering if there is something to explain it. Thanks.
Klaw: Watson, Ashe Russell, Scott Blewett, and Foster Griffin have all struggled this season, not just in performance but in stuff. Russell was mid-80s in the spring and I haven’t heard anything better than 87-91.

JD: Any sense of *why* Mateo isn’t performing as well this year? Effort, instincts, position change, something else?
Klaw: He doesn’t make hard contact. I seriously debated whether to put him on the list at all.

Richard: With Josh Bell likely back down in Indy this time next week, where would he have ranked on your list? 30-40 range?
Klaw: Yep, that’s about right. Also, this is really stupid – they should just play him at 1b already.

Philip: In what range would you put Morejon amongst prospects? Top 150?
Klaw: Probably, since he’s 17 and won’t pitch anywhere in the US this year. Same for Maitan, who’s 16.

Brian: Do you think the Rangers have a plan for Joey Gallo, and if so, what is it? I have been confused this year by the way they have handled him.
Klaw: So have I. I don’t know the answer.

Frank: Rob Whalen currently leads the Southern League in Ks and just got promoted to Triple A. Seems like he’s mostly viewed as a pitchability guy, but have you heard anything about him? Can he start in the big leagues?
Klaw: I don’t think so – more likely a reliever.

Jon V: I believe this is the first time you’ve moved Frazier significantly ahead of Zimmer. Driven more by Frazier’s progress or Zimmer’s decline?
Klaw: Zimmer needs to make more contact, especially vs lefties (K/PA of 33%). I think Frazier is clearly ahead of Zimmer in everyone’s eyes at this point.

MIke: Hi Keith. Thanks for the chat!! Do you have any thoughts on Giants AA reliever Ray Black? He’s my wife’s cousin and I was wondering if you think he has a chance to make it to the majors this year or ever? Thanks again!
Klaw: He’s 98-102 without a second pitch and with poor control. I’m sure someone will give him a chance in the majors but until he develops something else I don’t know what use he’ll be.

Jack: Doesn’t the player you described that alfaro can become an allstar? Or really close to it?
Klaw: Possibly. If he’s posting a .280-290 OBP, then probably not. I see a wide range around his potential performances, though.

Frank: I opened this link to ask you a Sean Newcomb question, but I’m not even sure what to ask. Is there any hope? The walks continue.
Klaw: Like I said in the writeup I don’t know what the fix is. He’s there on stuff and lefthandedness.

Nick: Watched some of the PG All-American selection show yesterday. They mentioned there was more high-end prep talent for 2017 than in recent years. True (to date)?
Klaw: I think that’s accurate. It’s also looking like the best college class since 2011. (Notice that it’s two three-year cycles after that: HS kids who didn’t sign in 2011 became top picks in 2014, pushing the 2014 HS crop to college to become top picks in 2017.)

Jojo: Do you think Willie Calhoun is good enough to get serious time in the bigs in 2017?
Klaw: I think he can hit but needs a position and may end up with contact issues too.

Michael: You can obviously disagree, but I am not sure it is helpful to label All Lives Matter as racist. People who say that may be misguided and missing the point, but are they necessarily racist? That sort of rhetoric (calling them racist) exacerbates the problem in my opinion.
Klaw: If someone says to you “Black Lives Matter” and your first response is to say something that defends white lives, yeah, that’s racist in my opinion. All lives matter, but all lives are not in equal danger. No one says White Lives Matter because, duh, when has the opposite ever been true in our nation’s history>

Chris J: (Will be in work meeting at 1, so posting early.) In the past, you’ve supported the idea of a team keeping good pitching prospects in a starting role through the minors until they show they’re better off as a reliever (your thoughts on Alex Meyer comes to mind, for example). Recognizing his basic 2 strong pitch arsenal and potential height issues, but with continued good performance through the minors (one start in AAA not withstanding), what would be the moment where you’d definitively conclude he’s a reliever? (Reworded – I know you’ve stated repeatedly that you believe he’s most likely a dominant reliever in waiting. But when would you make that switch, and why?) Thanks Keith!
Klaw: Depends on what the issue is with the pitcher. If fatigue in starts is the issue, or inability to turn a lineup over a third time, I’d switch him early. If development of a third pitch is an issue, however, I’d let him start as long as I could so he could try to develop that additional weapon.

Nick: After an awful (bad luck-fueled?) start in AAA, JP Crawford is hitting well again. Is it time for him to replace Galvis?
Klaw: If they trade Galvis, yes. Otherwise, let him finish the AAA season and then call him up.

Nic: Noticed you had Kohl Stewart as an honorable mention in the top 50 piece. With him being in Double-A what kind of ceiling do you currently project for him?
Klaw: I think he projects as a 3 or 4 starter. If you want ceiling, he’s going to have to miss some more bats, which he has the stuff to do but has not done, instead generating a lot of groundballs (which is still a good thing).

Eugene: Do you agree with the notion that the best way to assemble a bullpen is to just collect a huge number of arms? If so, is that strategy because very few relievers actually have differentiated skill?
Klaw: I think it’s better to do that than to go out and buy relievers who’ve had great performance, because predicting relievers is way too difficult. But you do want certain things in relievers too, and you might look for, say, right-handed pitchers with good changeups who could become effective relievers without platoon splits.

Michael: Any reaction to Justice Ginsburg’s comments on Trump? You’ve mentioned before that you think Scalia let his religious beliefs affect his jurisprudence–I don’t agree and I think you would have a hard time providing evidence of that. However, Ginsburg made it pretty clear that politics dictate her decisions. Isn’t that way worse?
Klaw: Don’t all justices’ politics tend to dictate their leanings on certain issues? Isn’t strict constructionalism vs loose a matter of politics? Anyway, I thought Ginsburg dissented, along with Justice Thomas, on the ruling about criminals with past domestic violence convictions having access to guns, citing a technical matter – which would appear to me to go directly against what we know about her political leanings. As for her comments on Trump, I have no issue with that, nor would I have an issue with another justice coming out in support of Trump or in opposition to Clinton.

Justin: Trout for Betts, Benetendi and Kopech…who says no?
Klaw: Angels have made it very clear they have no intention of trading Trout.

Adam: John Coppolella came out and flatly said the Braves won’t trade Julio Teheran. Do you think he is just playing hard to get, or is he being truthful?
Klaw: I think he’s being truthful. Why would they trade Teheran? He’s good, improving, under control cheaply through 2020 (I think), and is their Opening Day starter at the Big Con next April.

Steve: How is your book coming along? Can you give us any details?
Klaw: I’m behind where I’d like to be on it. I expect there to be a release about it in the next few weeks.

Adam G.: What do you make of this Michael Kopech situation? By situation I mean…. first, 105? really? second, how much are Boston fans over reacting when we’re putting him in the same conversation with Espinoza (and hopefully Groom).
Klaw: He’s on my top 50, and that was before he hit 105 (but he had hit 103). I don’t really know what to do with him – has any starter had this kind of velocity without blowing out in the short term? Relievers have, starters haven’t. Is he the great exception?

Millie from Philly: Everyone in Philly is going gaga over Hoskins and Cozens. Even with the hitter-friendly environment, it’s hard to ignore the gaudy #s. Anything to see here? You prefer one over the other (or neither) to have any real MLB impact? Thanks!
Klaw: Prefer Hoskins because I think he has better feel to hit, whereas Cozens is less polished with more brute strength. Both will play in the big leagues. Doubt either gets to this kind of power again.

Nick: You put Hunter Harvey in your honorable mentions. His talent has never been the issue. Does his high propensity for injury not concern you? Is it because largely speaking they aren’t related to his arm?
Klaw: If he had never had those injuries, he’d have been in the top 10.

Matt: It seems like Atlanta’s strategy is to trade from its young pitching depth to acquire bats. Is that strategy too simplistic? Would teams give up ML bats for pitchers that are a few years away and could easily not pan out? Thanks.
Klaw: Those pitchers who are a few years away now will be close to the majors at some point, which is when I think you’ll see some of them traded for bats.

Sean: After a horrendous start, Carson Fulmer seems to have turned a corner in AA. Do you think his new cutter can help him succeed in an MLB rotation?
Klaw: If you saw the Futures game, you can see why I don’t think he’ll ever last as a starter. He has a violent delivery with big stuff and poor command.

Jason: The Mets actually seem to have interesting pitchers now with Dunn, Kay, Wotell and Szapucki…..in what order would you rank that group and can you see any of them junping into your top 100 any time soon?
Klaw: Dunn, Szapucki, Kay, Wotell. I did not rank 100 players this time, so I couldn’t tell you who’ll be on that list other than the handful of guys I considered for the top 50 who didn’t make the final cut.

Kimchi Dad: What are your thoughts on GMOs? Do you avoid them when cooking/eating if possible, or are you okay with them?
Klaw: I have no objection to GMOs on my plate or in the world in general, but since I prefer organic produce I don’t think I eat much in the way of genetically modified foods.

FireDrayton: Thoughts on AJ Reed’s rough start to life in the bigs?
Klaw: The big leagues aren’t easy.

Fly high: Wu-Cheng Chang a possible top 100 guy for you next season?
Klaw: I assume you mean Yu-Cheng Chang. I hope to see him this weekend when Lynchburg is here. The power is kind of out of nowhere but if it’s legit it makes him a much more intriguing prospect.

Jay: Sergio Romo after watching Bickford in high-A felt that he had room to get stronger and throw harder as a result. Agree?
Klaw: i do not. Also, Bickford used to throw harder, and now he doesn’t. That’s a concern given his injury history.

Adam G.: I’ve been trying to rack my brain for a historical comparable body type to Moncada. 6’1″ 210 at 20 is huge. Can you think of any baseball players were that size and fit?
Klaw: Bo Jackson. A football body in a baseball uniform.

JT: Michael Conforto’s recent struggles – a blip on the radar or something more serious?
Klaw: I think the wrist issue plus TC benching him against lefties all the time are likely both factors.

Anonymous: In one of you draft follow ups you had Corey Ray as the #2 prospect for the Brewers ahead of Trent Clark. In today’s Top 50 you have Clark slightly ahead of Ray. Has something changed between the two?
Klaw: Yes, my opinion changed.

Bob A: Are you worried about Dillon Tate? A 21 y/o struggling in single A has to worry you
Klaw: More worried that his velocity has been down much of the year.

Ben: No Josh Hader on your list? Is it his delivery?
Klaw: His delivery and his command. He’s like Fulmer and …

CVD: I know you profile Reynaldo Lopez as a reliever, but was he given any consideration to the top 50?
Klaw: …Reynaldo Lopez. All three look like relievers. You don’t see starters hold up with those deliveries. Maybe one will be an exception; maybe they all will. Chris Sale looked for all the world like a reliever (and I was far from the only one saying so), and he’s turned into a Cy Young contender. But he is an extreme outlier.

George: Folty and Manaea both had really good starts to end the 1st half. Which one do you think has more career upside and which one do you think has more upside this season?
Klaw: Foltynewicz has more upside. If he can keep the ball in the park (11 HR in 49 IP this year) he’s got #1-2 potential.

Ben: Psyched to see 3 Cubs still in the top 50. Is there any hope for pitching in the farm system? Are the Cubs bad at developing pitchers, or is the lack of P prospects a result of the draft philosophy?
Klaw: There’s pitching coming and Dylan Cease was a consideration for the end of this list. I do think they’re going to end up trading a couple of bats for major-league ready arms, though, because all of the pitching they have is in A-ball and below.

Jordan: Can Chance Sisco hit enough to be an elite catcher?
Klaw: Yes. Did you see that HR he hit Sunday? That’s some serious hand/wrist strength. If he even hits 12 HR/year with his other skills he’s going to make some All-Star teams.

Scott: How close was Jose DeLeon to making the list? Are there injury concerns based on the past few months or is the upside not as high as the others on the list?
Klaw: Just don’t see the upside. Great makeup, good feel to pitch, but there’s a lack of a swing-and-miss weapon there.

Anonymous: With the performance of several of the Brewers top prospects this year, David Stearn’s first order of business has to be to clean house in the minor leagues doesn’t it?
Klaw: I truly thought that would be his first order of business last September. They’ve had far too many prospects enter the system and fail to develop or regress over the last 5+ years.

Ben: Will you be attending either the PG or Under Armour games?
Klaw: Under Armour. Chris Crawford will attend the PG game for us. I love that event, and San Diego is one of my favorite cities, but I can’t take another cross-country flight for just one or two nights out there, not with other stuff I need to be doing.

ray: It seems like the rest of the scouting community seems to be catching up to you with Kevin Newman’s prospect status – what was it that made him a top 25 prospect for you right off the bat that you don’t think others were seeing?
Klaw: He’s done great so far and I’m thrilled to see it, but obviously he’s still got to reach the majors and continue this performance before we can really talk about it like that. I saw a true SS with a 6 or better hit tool and plenty of strength despite the lack of game power in college. I like those guys.

Adam: How much interest is Melvin Upton Jr garnering on the trade market?
Klaw: That’s a better question for Buster. I don’t monitor the trade market.

Keith: You’re higher than most on Dom Smith; I’m not sure what the issue is – he’s not dominating, but he’s showing good contact, good defense, starting show power, all at a pretty young age. Why the doom and gloom about him as a prospect? Is it a 1B only thing? Not much else to go on so the bat has to be outstanding?
Klaw: Yes, I think it’s the 1B issue and that’s a fair one. Also, he should he hitting for a higher average; he’s making contact but not always the right (hard) kind.

Ben: What’s the holdup on Brax Garrett? His Vandy committment that strong?
Klaw: Yes and bear in mind that the Marlins are the same team that lowballed Heaney a few years ago. Ownership there doesn’t seem to like to pay players.

Mike: You would have Groome ahead of Kopech? 105 mph
Klaw: Velocity ain’t everything, sparky.

Jonah: Do you believe Harold Ramirez has declined as a prospect?
Klaw: No, i don’t think anything has changed there. LF only who has to hit.

Stephen: My wife and I are always looking for new two-player games… where would you rank 7 Wonders Duel? I love the base game, but Duel looks very interesting for 2 players. Also, any expansions to the base game you recommend?
Klaw: It’s great and I highly recommend it. I just bought the Babel expansion on Prime Day; we haven’t played any of the others.

Tom: We all know the D-Backs got jobbed in the Shelby Miller Trade, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be bad this year, much less terrible. Have you seen him pitch? What’s he doing (or not doing) to pitch so ineffectively? Is there any hope for a rebound?
Klaw: His mechanics went to shit. I don’t know who bears responsibility for that.

Dan: Profar and Cordell for Pomeranz and Hedges, who says no?
Klaw: Padres because Cordell is not much of a prospect at all.

Marcus: Don’t know if you’ve had a chance to see him since he returned, but is Tim Lincecum done as a starting pitcher? And if so, could he become an effective relief pitcher? I admit that I’ve been a fan of his since his Cy Young days, but it is hard to watch him now.
Klaw: He’s not a starter. I don’t know if relief would help but I’d try it.

A: Re: the guns SCOTUS case, Sotomayor was the one who broke with the lib wing
Klaw: Thank you. I knew it was one of the women on the Court but forgot which one. So there’s a case of a judge clearly voting against her politics because of a question of law.

Peppa Pig: With Matt Bush changing his life and now breaking into the bigs, do you have any idea what happened to Donovan Tate?
Klaw: He’s playing for Rancho in the Dodgers’ system. The biggest problem with Tate is that he was never that good. I thought he was a reach at 3 overall and never had him on a top 100 list.

mark: You said last week that you had heard $20-22 million for Morejon…that was including the 100% penalty?
Klaw: Correct.

Drew: Thanks for recommending / ranking White Teeth. It’s kind of amazing the historical perspective and insight Zadie Smith had when she was 15, huh?
Klaw: That book made me jealous of how gifted a writer and thinker she is. If you liked that, I definitely recommend In the Light of What We Know and you’d probably enjoy The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.

Anonymous: What’s your opinion on bringing up Reyes to the Cards bullpen? I’m worried about his walk rate getting even worse versus MLB batters.
Klaw: I agree. Also I’d like to see some kind of improvement on the breaking ball, although with his delivery that may be impossible.

B. Cohen: You have Benintendi above Moncada among Sox prospects when those two are reversed almost universally elsewhere. Are you just super high on Beni, or do you have reservations about Moncada?
Klaw: I don’t care what “elsewhere” says. I think Benintendi’s the better prospect.

Paul: What position does Moncada end up … 3rd?
Klaw: Third or perhaps the outfield.

mark: How would you rate your personaly experience at the ASG?
Klaw: I have never attended an All-Star Game in person.

Trevor: I always love to get your political takes. Do you agree that we have almost circled back to what led to this country’s founding? The non-indictment of Clinton, even with the FBI director admitting she broke many laws, as well as the secret meeting between the AG and Bill….we now have a society where those in government (along with their close allies) are above the law. Our founding fathers fought a revolution and tried to devise a system to prevent that, yet here we are. What are your thoughts?
Klaw: I worry that we’re headed back towards a sort of oligarchic democracy because of the issue I mentioned last week – we keep drawing top candidates from the same tiny pool of people – and because the amount of money required to run for high office further restricts the pool.

Philip: Any new eats you have in SD?
Klaw: Bracero was fantastic, and I had coffee at Copa Vida and James as well as at my usual Bird Rock.

Dustin: Has Stephen Gonsalves done enough to see him as a potential high-end pitching prospect? He has made continuous progress in the Twins system.
Klaw: Not high-end. Good changeup but lefty without a breaking ball and with average-ish command? I see back end.

Dustin: Does Bregman eventually move Correa off of SS?
Klaw: I think so – he’s a better defender there right now.

Tom: How much consideration, if any, did you give Chris Paddack for the top 50? What held him back?
Klaw: No consideration. Let’s not overrate him just because he’s been in the news.

Dustin: What’s your favorite IPA?
Klaw: Evolution Lot #3.

Joe: I travel occasionally for work, and I always feel weird eating by myself in a non-fast food restaurant. Every experience that?
Klaw: No because I bring a book and/or sit by the kitchen and chat with the cooks. No one should ever feel bad for eating alone, though.

Richard: I’ll be in KC next weekend for Royals/Rangers. Any “must eats” while in town, particularly BBQ? Thanks.
Klaw: KC Joe’s in the gas station, SLAPs (Squeal Like a Pig), and Bluestem Cafe for not BBQ.

Alex: As a Braves fan worried about the future, Swanson seems like a solid player at the big leagues but nothing more. What am I missing?
Klaw: High floor. Not huge ceiling. I preferred Rodgers and Newman on draft day and while Swanson is a tick ahead of Newman right now obviously I’ve got Bregman ahead of all of them.

Ryan: Have you tried Pokemon Go? Do you think there are ways ESPN could make use of AR?
Klaw: I have not. This does not appeal to me.

Jon V: How would you rank McKenzie, Hillman, Aiken, Sheffield in terms of long term potential?
Klaw: Aiken still has the most upside if the stuff returns 100%. Probably McKenzie, Sheffield, Hillman behind him just in terms of potential upside, but Hillman is sneaky good and going to be pitch in the big leagues.

Nate: Keith, Tim Anderson has been a valuable player so far in the majors, however his ceiling obviously is limited by his walk rate. Do you think he can ever have an at least manageable approach?
Klaw: I think rushing him to the majors is going to severely retard his ability to improve his plate discipline.

Bryan: Rowdy Tellez is tearing up AA of late as a 21 year old. Can he possibly become a league average 1b/DH in MLB? I believe I recall you saying he has a “long swing”–will that prevent him from reaching the big leagues?
Klaw: No. Can’t hit quality pitching.

Bernie: There have been new rumors if a Gallo/Miller trade. Is that close to the framework (main pieces) of an equitable swap?
Klaw: There’s no way I’d give up Gallo for a reliever unless I’d decided Gallo was simply never going to hit.

Randy: Frances Martes still a top 75 guy for you? Only 20 in AA and has reall turned it around last 1.5 months. Bonus question–buy or sell Musgrove as a possible #3 starter?
Klaw: Need to see better offspeed from Musgrove. I see strikes and a sinker, but not the full repertoire. Martes is somewhere in there, yes.

Chad: How close was Mitch Keller to your new top 50?
Klaw: He wasn’t a consideration.

Aaron: If Kyle Lewis shows any semblance of reaching his potential in the minors…how far can he go up on the prospect list?
Klaw: Depends on what you believe his potential to be. I think he ends up a low-average guy (due to strikeouts) with power. That’s probably not a top 25 prospect at any point.

Alex: Why doesn’t MLB use the same draft model as the NHL, where you draft an 18 year old, who can then go to college if he so chooses, with the team that drafted him retaining his rights, while he plays at the college level? Seems like a win-win all around.
Klaw: How is that a win for the player? Or for the team, really, if the kid goes to Arizona and takes a bunch of naps while throwing 138 pitches on three days’ rest?

Philip: Do you believe Wil Myers comment on Mexican food is worthy of trading him?
Klaw: I think he needs someone to take him to Bracero. Or any place that isn’t Taco Bell.

Corey: Could Moncada be ready by early next season ? If so, should Sox consider moving him to 3B soon since that’s where he likely ends up ? Side note – do they just eat the Panda contract ?
Klaw: That’s reasonable all around – the timeline and the position idea.

Tripp: Saw Alex Young has been having a nice season this year for ARI. What are your thoughts on him?
Klaw: Fringe prospect. Was 22 in low-A and didn’t miss any bats. Stuff is nothing special.

JB: When scouting a pitcher, how much weight is given to the movement of a fastball as opposed to just pure velocity? As an example, Hunter Strickland throws in the high 90’s but it’s dead straight and it seems good hitters just kill a guy like that.
Klaw: It matters a ton. Jeff Hoffman isn’t on my top 50 because he throws hard but it’s straight and hitters see it well (no deception).

Joe: Given your love for Schoop, how much room for growth do you think he has? He’s not treating walks like the plague anymore.
Klaw: And he was never a hacker in the minors. Anderson has never walked, ever, so we’re saying he’d need to add a skill he has never displayed. Schoop had some patience before he was rushed up the ladder, and now it’s coming back, likely because he’s having success in general and not just trying to survive his at bats. I buy it and think there’s even more growth to come. He’ll be a top 3 2b in the league at some point.

Rob: Have you had a chance to see Ian Clarkin this season after his missed year? Curious how it compares pre injury, whatever it was that cost him a season.
Klaw: Saw him in the AFL, not this year, and he was all the way back. Mid-rotation starter. CB is a hammer.

Anonymous: I’m thinking Vizcaino and Erick Aybar to the Mariners for Alex Jackson or Tyler O’Neil + prospect. Thoughts?
Klaw: Did you drug Jerry DiPoto or tie him up and throw him in a closet?

Ken Naylor: Your thoughts on Byron Buxton and his development?
Klaw: Two thoughts. One, be patient. People want to write off any prospect who doesn’t succeed right away. Two, I think Molitor & company are the wrong staff for this job, and their trouble with Buxton would be exhibit A. They were on him to be more aggressive early in the season, and look where that got him.

Tom: Do you think that IQ tests have any scientific value? If so, what?
Klaw: I don’t think they have any at all.

Chris: Can Ryne Stanek be a late inning reliever with that heat, or is the FB just too flat?
Klaw: The guy we saw on Sunday is not a big league reliever. I’ve never seen hitters rushing to the bat rack to face a guy throwing 99 before.

RM: So regarding your position on the value of relievers, there really is no reason for the Yankees to trade Miller. It doesn’t appear they’d get much back so they might as well take what he delivers to them on the field.
Klaw: You’re conflating my view of relievers with what the market might provide. Of course they should shop him.

Josh: Is Krilloff a future major leaguer?
Klaw: Yes, of course. Most first-round picks reach the big leagues at some point. The question is what kind; I think he ends up an above-average regular in RF.

Chris: Chase Vallot is having a pretty strong season so far, and I’ve heard the defense will keep him behind hte plate. Can he move into your top 100 next year if he keeps it up and even moves up to HiA?
Klaw: I’ve heard the defense will NOT keep him behind the plate. I do think he can hit and has above-average power, but he’s repeating the level (at 19, so age-appropriate) and I don’t want to overrate the performance. It’s a good sign overall that he’ll be able to profile somewhere else.

Ron: It’s great to see Kepler in right and getting the experience in a lost season. Also Buxton playing every day if he is not hurt. The Sano experiment in RF is done, isn’t it? If not, they need their heads examined. He’s not any worse at 3rd than Plouffe. What are your thoughts?
Klaw: I think Sano is a 1b/dh and unfortunately they’ve blocked him there. But yes, Kepler and Buxton should be playing every day.

Chris: Does Eddy Julio Martinez make the Top 100 by the end of the year?
Klaw: Probably not, even though I do like his ability quite a bit. I’m glad to see the performance catching up to the tools a little bit lately.

Tom: I know that there is no such thing as clutch hitting, but every year the collective batting average with runners in scoring position league wide is less than the average with no one on base. Is it possible that there is not clutch hitting, but there is choking?
Klaw: It’s also possible that teams start to play matchups more with RISP late in games.

John: Were any of these remotely in consideration for the top 50? – Luke Weaver, D.Paulino, D.Acevedo, W.Calhoun, Reid-Foley, J.Flaherty, Soroka?
Klaw: No, no, no, no, no, no, and no. Good talk.

Klaw: That’s all for this week. I’ll be back next Thursday for another chat before I head out for the UA game on the 23rd. Thanks for all the questions this week and, as always, for reading my work.

My top 25 MLB players under 25 post is up for Insiders.

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Klaw: Now I know how Joan of Arc felt. Klawchat.

Dana: Do you have any thoughts on the Jorge Mateo suspension? Had you heard of any makeup concerns?
Klaw: My thoughts seem pretty unfair because I don’t think we know exactly what Mateo did, but I will say a two-week suspension seems like a huge penalty. What on earth could he have done that merited that long a suspension and that public a penalty, which also devalues the player in the industry and removes him from the highly-scouted Futures Game?

Jonathan Orr: Was Piscotty close to being an honorable mention in your top 25 list?
Klaw: No, because he’s not under 25 years old.

Pat: Bigmouth Strikes Again. Do Brett Phillips, Corey Ray, and Trent Clark comprise the Brewers’ starting outfield someday?
Klaw: Kind of a best case scenario but I could see it. Big fan of all three.

Ross: Do you believe that either Rhys Hoskins or Dylan Cozens will eventually be a significant contributor to the Phillies?
Klaw: I believe in Hoskins more than Cozens because I think Hoskins is a hitter first, with power. Cozens is huge raw, less of a hitter, and I’ve mentioned before (and will probably stop now, because enough already) I have concerns on his makeup.

Jack: Did Aaron Nola’s last few starts keep him from making the list? If so shouldn’t the astronomically high BABIP show that it is mostly fluky
Klaw: Yes, it did, because from watching him I worried there’s something wrong with his arm. Corinne wrote a good piece at Fangraphs that explained why it’s not all just BABIP variance.

Bryan: Thanks for all the content Keith, really enjoyed reading the top 25 under 25. Question: has Aaron Sanchez improved his mechanics/his stride since last season? I remember that you were concerned that his stride was far too short and I’m wondering whether he has improved somewhat in that area, given his strong results so far this season. Thanks!
Klaw: Not really. It’s all physical development. I’d still like to see the longer stride; short-striders get hurt. Arizona shortened Skaggs’ stride and he blew out. Someone shortened Taijuan Walker’s stride and he started to have shoulder problems and lost his breaking ball. Sanchez doesn’t look as severe as he did two years ago, and the shit is unreal so I understand not wanting to change a thing, but I also want the guy to stay healthy as long as possible.

Steve: Do you think that Greg Maddux signing on at UNLV to be a volunteer pitching coach will entice anyone to come to UNLV that otherwise wouldn’t have?
Klaw: Well, if you’re considering UNLV and one of the greatest pitchers in history calls you and says he’d like to work with you, I think that might help.

Ray A.: Chris Shaw got promoted to AA and has not skipped a beat. Could he be this years A.J. Reed?
Klaw: Slow down. He’s power over hit, and the bat speed is a little light for me. Super strong, but I just saw him again on Sunday and I don’t think that’s going to work against good velocity.

Bob Pollard: In general, why aren’t there any left-handed SS or C? My kid is 9, throws lefty and does occasionally play short, but he’s also had some coaches who won’t put him there because “there are no lefty SS.” Catching is less of an issue. Is there something about the positioning when a lefty fields the ball? Turning the double play? He’s primed for a future of 1B/P/OF (not complaining) but curious to hear an expert’s take.
Klaw: If you can throw hard and are left-handed, you’re probably going to the mound. Shortstop presents some technical difficulties for lefties, but really I think it’s a selection bias issue.

Bob: Jake Bauers is up to 10 HR in ~300 AB this year after hitting 11 in ~500 AB last year. A fluke or is he tapping into some latent power? Worth an uptick in his profile if he keeps it up all year?
Klaw: Not really. There isn’t enough power there for a guy who’s going to be 1b only.

Enzo Amore: Was Conforto considered for your 25 under 25? He looked like an all-star in April before the injury and slump.
Klaw: Not in the majors, so no.

Will: Apart from absolutely everything, what is wrong with Casey Meisner? Injured? Not as good as we thought?
Klaw: Oakland changed his arm slot to try to get more sink on his FB. He wasn’t throwing as hard when I saw him in March.

Al: Does Judge’s recent statistical improvement reflect real improvement as a batter or is it more likely just random SSS noise?
Klaw: Any stretch that small is probably at least part noise, but I am heartened to see that his K% in June was his lowest by month this year. It’s all about contact. If he gets to the majors and is a 25% K rate guy, he’s a star.

Justin: Meat is murder Keith….to my untrained eye Asdrubal has looked fantastic at SS. I know you’ve said he is a below avg SS probably suited for 2b. Am I just used to stonehands Flores or has he improved significantly?
Klaw: I don’t think he’s changed at all. I just looked at dRS and UZR for a second opinion and both have him below average.

Alex in Austin: After experimenting 6 games at 3rd, Bregman’s been exclusively at ss. Any idea why if his fastest path to the majors is 3rd and he seems like he can help that lineup right now?
Klaw: I think Correa is going to have to move to third, so perhaps the Astros are trying to prep Bregman to take over at short at some point.

Bruce: How can you tell how a minor league K-rate (for pitchers) will translate in the Majors
Klaw: I wouldn’t say I can “tell;” I can speculate, based on the quality of the pitcher’s stuff, his command, and whether he has any deception. But I am never sure.

Aus: So no Willson Contreras in the the top 25 under 25? Or was he not eligible? If so, where would he rank if he was because he clearly is up for good.
Klaw: Still rookie eligible. No one ever reads the intro.

Carl: Are police shootings increasing recently or just more highly publicized thanks to cell phone videos?
Klaw: Probably both. You’d expect the number of shootings to increase anyway as population increases and gun ownership increases. But I also bet that when I was a kid, these shootings happened and weren’t even worthy of a news story.

Randy: L. McCullers didn’t even make honorable mention in your article despite racking up 4.2 WAR (per Fangraphs) and having a better FIP than Martinez, Ross and Gray–all while being the youngest of the group (2 years younger than Gray and Martinez). Please explain.
Klaw: Because I have serious concerns about his delivery holding up in the rotation, and he’s already had one bout of shoulder trouble, as well as whether he’ll ever have average command. This was not a statistical ranking of players.

RetNavChief: Keith, thanks for doing these chats…I look forward to them each week. Who is more likely to have a better career as a starting pitcher….Mitch Keller or Luke Weaver?
Klaw: Keller. Not sure Weaver is a long-term starter – breaking ball isn’t good enough, very small frame guy, definitely at the small end of the spectrum of starter builds.

Anonymous: Do players do a worse job of selecting players than fans? Defense disregarded over name recognition. Apparently, even all-star teams need veteran “presence.”
Klaw: Yes. Joe Sheehan identified this years ago – the worst offenses on the rosters nearly always come from player selections.

Pat: There is a lot of buzz in Bawlmer — even reporters are saying it — that Bundy might get thrown into the rotation after the ASG. This is a terrible idea, right? He’s thrown about 100 innings since 2012.
Klaw: Yes, this is a terrible idea. The guy has a real shoulder issue, no history of staying healthy since 2012, a more restricted arm swing than he had prior to TJ, and a reduced curveball. The fact that he’s even doing what he’s doing right now is great, and I like how Buck is using him as a long man. If they really want to try to start him again, wait till next year. Please.

Rick: Why have LaRussa and Stewart been given a free pass with the absolute dumpster fire they’ve created in Arizona? Seems like each has a get-out-of-jail-free card with the national media.
Klaw: TLR has a lot of supporters in the media, yes. But I think overall the tenor of commentary on them has been more towards “dumpster fire.” The Yoan Lopez comments were peak La Russa for me. Either he’s a liar, or their scouts flat-out lied to him, or they have the dumbest pro scouts on the planet. (I doubt it’s #3.) Lopez is closer to non-prospect than he is to “top 3 in any organization.” He’s a mediocre arm without command or feel and with bad makeup. You screwed up signing him. Just admit it, change your process, and move on.

Rick: Seems to be a push in some circles to promote Rhys Hoskins to AAA for the 2nd half of the season. Do you see value in letting him play out the year in Reading where they’re winning at an insane clip and he’s mashing on a near nightly basis?
Klaw: No, I’d promote him. Not young, so let’s go already. Also Reading is a great HR park and I don’t think leaving a hitter there benefits him at all.

BG: There seems to be somewhat of a consensus among national writers that A) the Braves should trade Teheran, and B) they shouldn’t expect an impact bat like Benintendi back.
Klaw: I don’t think they have any reason to trade him. He’s signed cheaply for years and without him they will be scraping for innings this year and next. He’s their Opening Day starter at the Big Con next April.

EC: Did Nats get a steal in Dane Dunning? Underutilized in college it seems, so maybe more miles left on the arm?
Klaw: I thought so. Loved him. Liked their draft overall.

Banksy_: 2 Part Question. T or F. Groome signs for no less than $5M, at the last possible moment. T or F. The Padres had $6M waiting for him at 24/25.
Klaw: False on both.

Nelson Briles: Do you know what the issue is with Joey Gallo? He was great to start the season and got called up to the majors, but then Jeff Banister didn’t play him. Since going back down, his strikeouts are way up, he got benched for what sounds like an attitude issue, and there’s whispers that he’s pouting. This is a guy who supposedly has great makeup — what’s going on there?
Klaw: If he’s pouting, he’s justified. Banister not playing him at all was completely unacceptable, and I’m surprised the front office didn’t come down on him for it. If we give you a player, you play him, or we find someone else to do it.

Harrisburg Hal: How many books do you have going at one time? Are you a ‘one at a time’ reader? I have a couple books depending on where I am – one kindle, one for the pool, one beside my bed, etc.
Klaw: One for me, and one I read with my daughter. That’s usually it.

TJ: Another depressing story with Kang. Understood that the facts have yet to unfold, but any initial thoughts based on the way the Pirates have reacted so far? Seems interesting that Olivera was suspended almost the moment things broke but Kang is still playing, even starting. Would you read anything into this or just an example how individual teams may handle similar situations in completely different ways.
Klaw: Olivera was arrested, wasn’t he? If Kang is charged, my guess is he’ll be removed from the roster somehow. Such accusations, in the abstract, are more likely to be true than not, so while I’m waiting for more information here, this is not good news. And I have no problem with the Pirates waiting too.

Kevin: Based on John Coppolella’s recent comments, it sounds like the Braves are going to be aggressive in the development of Kevin Maitan and try to move him along quickly. Is that the right approach for an advanced hitter or should they try to play it safe with him?
Klaw: I think he’s comparable to Sano, who was in the Appy League at 18. That would imply Maitan in the Appy League too in 2018.

Lance: No Roguned Odor on the Top 25? I know you once viewed him as a potential star, has that changed?
Klaw: He hasn’t progressed at all this year. When he walks more than once a fortnight, we can revisit. He has the ability, but not the skill, if that makes sense.

Jake: Can Kevin Newman be a potential all-star one day?
Klaw: I think so but you’re probably asking his biggest fan outside of the Pirates’ organization and maybe his mom.

DC: You are an intelligent guy and capable amateur lawyer — what do you think of the no indictment for HRC based on Comey saying it would be hard to show “intent”, something that is purposely not written into the government statutes. I cannot imagine ever voting for Trump, but it sincerely feels like we are slipping closer to banana-republic territory looking at the state of our politics and rule of law.
Klaw: I thought of the banana republic analogy just last night because we could very well be looking at the last five Presidents including a father and son as well as a husband and wife. There are African dictatorships with more diversity in leadership.

Bruce: Do you like Josh Bell to be an above average 1B, or just about average?
Klaw: Hitter, well above average. Fielder, well he’s a good hitter.

Larry: Is Coppy serious by saying he’ll only take major league talent in return for Teheran? That seems shortsighted for a team that is years away.
Klaw: Again, they have Teheran signed for cheap for several more years. Trading him for A-ball kids isn’t necessary or advisable.

JR, Hartford: Hey Keith, Nice to see Dom Smith up to 10 HR’s this year. Where do you peg his eventual power numbers? Could he be a 1st division starter with 15 HR/year poer? 20?
Klaw: He has the raw power for 20+.

JR, Hartford: Hey Keith, ever read any Tom Robbins and if so are you a fan?
Klaw: Jitterbug Perfume. Didn’t do much for me. Fast read, a little too pop-philosophical for me.

Drew: Apparently Trea Turner is off to a good start in CF for Syracuse. While I still think he’s still the Nats’ shortstop of the future, is it fair to say they have a more pressing need in CF right now?
Klaw: Yes. I’ve said I support this – yes, I’m not an Espinosa believer despite the big June, but CF is a clear hole and if they’re committed to Espi for the rest of 2016 then use Turner, who is ready, to fill another void.

Tom: Trout’s throwing out his usual MVP caliber season which won’t even get him in the top 3 in MVP voting this year because his team is so lousy. What’s the earliest LAA can reasonably be good (short of Pujols suddenly retiring), or are they just destined to waste their remaining years with him?
Klaw: Can’t see them turning this around within five years. The farm system is so barren; they could still end up without a top 100 guy this winter, their first-round pick from 2015 is terrible, their top remaining pick from 2014 is terrible, their top pick from 2013 quit in the spring. They should try to sell and see if they can restock their upper levels enough to field a better team around Trout in 2018 between some younger players and perhaps new overpaid veterans. Wow, that came out harsh.

Mike: Mickey Moniak hit his professional HR today. Is it realistic to believe he can hit 25 HR’s per year at maturity?
Klaw: I do not believe so.

Hank: Now that it’s just a blister for Max Fried, do you have any reports on him this year? Last few starts have been really good, walks are dropping.
Klaw: Back up to 96, CB good, command improving, really just been rounding back into pre-injury form the last few starts.

Archie: People in the baseball industry who are against throwing the splitter all seem to point to Japanese pitchers, who all seem to throw it, when they break down as evidence. Have any of these guys read Passan’s book and noticed that these Japanese guys have also thrown off of a mound for about 3 hours per day since they were 10?
Klaw: The evidence against the splitter is weak where it exists at all. The evidence against the cutter isn’t exactly any stronger. I’m starting to wonder if all of these scapegoats are to prevent us from staring the obvious in the face: Guys who throw really fucking hard all the time get hurt.

addoeh: Thank you for the cornmeal waffles recommendation at Hell’s Kitchen in MPLS. Bar La Grassa was excellent (scallop app in particular), as was the brick and mortar version of Butcher & The Boar.
Klaw: Awesome. Such a great town. Wish I had more reasons to go there for work.

Jonah: Has Chad Kuhl’s good start as a starter changed your long-term view on him?
Klaw: No, especially since he hasn’t had a “good start” in the majors through two outings, and he still doesn’t have a weapon to get LHB out.

EC: How hard of a bargain can an agent drive for a client that was drafted? How do the guys drafted in rounds 9/10 sign for $10,000? Couldn’t they say “no, I want more or you lose it all?”
Klaw: They don’t lose it all though; they lose just the amount for that slot. It’s not a huge dent in the overall pool. If a player agreed to $10K in the 5th round, he could, in theory, renege on the deal and throw a real dent into a team’s plans. That’ll happen at some point and then we’ll see some real fireworks.

Philip: Would Paddack make the Padres top 10 for you?
Klaw: Yes, no question.

Junior: Why does AJ Preller get so much hate from fans (from other teams primarily) and media? The team is bad (was before he got here), but the trades have actually been pretty good i.e., Wil Myers!
Klaw: SOME trades have been good. Then there’s Matt Kemp.

Lemon: Devers making a big push as of recently… the people who poo’d on your ranking of him can take a chill pill
Klaw: He’s 19 in high-A. Any performance at all is a bonus. And even at his worst he wasn’t getting overmatched.

MP: If you had to choose a guy to be a top of the rotation anchor, you’d place your bet on J. Thompson, J. Hader, J. Hoffman, A. Garrett, or Reynaldo Lopez??
Klaw: None of them, really.

Carlos: Hi Keith, big fan of your work. I’m trying to get behind your perspective for picking all-stars (as a kid I just assumed whoever had the best first half deserved to go). I guess my concern is that the difference breakout and fluke is somewhat subjective. So it feels unfair that someone like Jake Lamb – whom I love and think clearly deserves to go – should have his all-star candidacy determined by whether people think he’s legit or not.
Klaw: Isn’t there always a subjective aspect to it, though? It’s about where you draw the line between the objective parts of the process and the subjective.

Jeremy K: Javy Baez’s K-rate has dropped year over year and is now only slightly below the MLB avg. Do you see him becoming less and less likely to bust?
Klaw: I don’t think he’ll “bust” and don’t think I ever predicted that, but I don’t think he’ll ever be a regular since he remains way too aggressive and hasn’t shown any real progress there.

Jim: Trey Mancini, can we get excited yet? Are you still down on his power?
Klaw: You can get excited, but I don’t see what there is to be excited about. It’s not a good swing and I don’t see above-average power.

Jon: I’m doing a gift exchange and the person I am gifting loves board games. I do not play many, or at all. They have mentioned Pandemic, Small World, Codenames, and Betrayal At House On The Hill as some of their favorites. Is there anything that you would recommend close to that? Or just go straight to your list for Jaipur / Carcassone / Ticket To Ride? Thanks for the help!
Klaw: Castles of Burgundy or 7 Wonders would be good choices.

Jason: Suggestions for a 4 year old interested in board games? He sees us play all the time and loves joining in with some large modifications, so thinking of getting a few games that he can pretty much play completely and are appropriate for his age.
Klaw: Ticket to Ride for sure. It just becomes a color-matching game for a kid that young, and once he can grasp the map a little, you can work in the route cards.

JDFitz: BA wrote about Taylor Ward moving back a few inches and opening his stance slightly while in the box; he’s been hot the past few weeks. Can such a minor change really have that great an effect, or is such a hot streak just a fluke of statistics? (Been a fan for a long time; thanks for being a consistent source of information and amusement. You are very much appreciated.)
Klaw: Those streaks are usually just flukes, yes. He’s 22 in high-A, in a good hitting environment. It’s also easy to get hot when your team takes a road trip to Lake Elsinore and High Desert. The guy to watch on Inland Empire is Kevin Grendell; if he can throw strikes at all he’s got a pretty special arm.

Matt: As a lefty who played some 3b/ss at a young age, it is really hard to make the throws necessary. Have to make a big turn to get any weight behind the ball, so every throw becomes all arm in an awkward direction or takes too much time to turn, set, and throw. Now, catching on the other hand, seems like it should be more possible for a lefty to do.
Klaw: A lefty could absolutely be a catcher, but again, I think if you’re LH and throw hard enough to catch someone will want you on a mound.

TK: Can’t remember if I’ve ever seen you mention one, but have you ever tried a legacy-style board game? My wife and I are currently nearing the end of a Legacy Pandemic game and it has been amazing.
Klaw: I haven’t. I chatted with two readers at the Trenton game on Sunday and they also raved about Pandemic Legacy, but the problem I have is that I really don’t play any one game 12+ times like that. We play different games, we review new ones, but one game that many times in a row? It would take us months.

JC: Do you think David Dahl makes it up in 2016? Would it likely only be a Sept call-up unless CarGo is traded?
Klaw: Yes, and probably yes.

Bartleby: Can you imagine the laser show that backyard wiffle ball must have been like at the Seagers?
Klaw: I got mocked by a few Seattle fans when I said that Corey would be better than Kyle (this was when Corey was drafted). Corey’s at 5.4 fWAR in 113 games in his career. Kyle’s best single-season fWAR is 5.5, in 159 games in 2014.

JB: Any way Arroyo could be called up for the Giants later this year in a utility role? With all the infield injuries, I’m not sure Ramiro Pena and Grant Green will be guys I want to rely on, and I am no fan of Kelby Tomlinson either. Thanks for your work, easily the best thing on ESPN
Klaw: Don’t think Arroyo’s eye is ready for that. Good prospect still, but definitely showing some areas for development now. And thank you.

Caroline: Going to San Diego. Have three dinners. One is Juniper and Ivy. What should the other two be?
Klaw: Cucina Urbana and Searsucker. Also have lunch at the Crack Shack and breakfast at the Mission. Maybe Bottega Americana. I should write this up.

Ed: Hope to see you here in SD for the ASG. Considering the weak FA class and lack of impact arms available does Drew Pomeranz net a significant return from the Red Sox or Rangers in the next month?
Klaw: I will be there at the Futures Game on Sunday and will try to get to the outfield concourse for a fan meetup if there’s interest. I think he’s one of the best SP on the market this year, so yes.

Nick: After reading the reports on both Moniak and Rutherford, it seems like Rutherford has the higher ceiling of the two correct?
Klaw: Higher offensive ceiling for sure. Moniak probably stays in CF while Rutherford probably ends up in LF, so there’s automatically a big gap in their values when you’re looking at them compared to their positions (replacement-level or average), which is why Moniak went 1-1 and Rutherford seemed to be out of the mix in the top ten.

Scott: Glad to see that Amed Rosario has been chosen to replace Mateo in the Futures Game this Sunday. Are you a believer in his bat long term?
Klaw: Absolutely. Kid’s a superstar.

Matt: Why doesn’t Jeff Hoffman get more K’s?
Klaw: Lack of deception in the delivery or fastball life. Don’t think he’s a top 50 prospect – I’ll be doing a top 50 next Thursday so that’s kind of on my mind at the moment.

Dan: What did Dilson Herrera do to piss off the Mets FO? Seems like they’ll try anything except promoting him to address their roster problems. Have you ever heard that there are makeup issues with him or something?
Klaw: Never. But it seems clear they don’t want him. They signed a domestic-abusing has-been instead of promoting him.

NukeLaloosh: ETA on Casey Gillaspie?
Klaw: September or early next year.

Doug: Good chance Benintendi heads to Pawtucket after the Futures game?
Klaw: I don’t believe so, although given what he’s doing in AA, I say now, as I said in the spring, he could help Boston this year.

Elton: I am overwhelmed by the TV options at my disposal. You touted Master Of None in a past chat (and I enjoyed it); anything else striking you recently?
Klaw: I’m going to watch The Night Of, but otherwise, I’ve given up on most TV. I don’t want to make commitments to lots of long story arcs and honestly if I’m not watching baseball I’m happier with the TV off anyway.

Banksy_: Quick and dirty scouting report on Morejon? Sounds like he’s getting a huge bonus, is he worth it in your opinion?
Klaw: He was in our international preview and I’ve heard $20-22 million. Yes, he’s worth it.

James: jason -Boardgames for kids go find some of the HABA brand games. We have four of them and our kids love them. You should be able to find them at your local game shop.
Klaw: Thanks. Jason, there you go.

Carlos: Follow up re: all-star selection… Fair point but isn’t it more objective to base it on statistics rather than future expectations?
Klaw: I haven’t argued we should base it on “future expectations.” We should consider whether the statistics we have are more noise than signal. That’s not the same thing.

Nic: Why do you think Dillon Tate has failed to gain traction in Low-A?
Klaw: He came back from the hamstring injury missing some velocity.

NukeLaloosh: Hosting a 6-person game night with age range of 6-to-40: What game would you recommend? We have Ticket to Ride and Scotland Yard but willing to order something new. Thoughts?
Klaw: That’s a 7 Wonders night if you don’t mind helping the 6-year-old.

NukeLaloosh: Have you played Agricola? Thoughts?
Klaw: Yes, in fact my Paste review of the new edition should go up today.

Joe: Can Chance Adams remain a starter?
Klaw: I think so. Tried to see him last week but rain pushed him back to Bowie rather than at home.

Anonymous: Help decide a debate between friends: Brian Dozier and Kohl Stewart to the Dodgers for Jose De Leon and a low level prospect is fair to both sides.
Klaw: Which friend is the rabid delusional Dodgers fan?

Ryan: Derian Cruz and Cristian Pache off to hot starts of Atlanta in GCL. Are you high on either or both?
Klaw: Both legit.

Jeb: Any chance that we’ll get so see a writeup of your visit to Trenton?
Klaw: No, I am not planning to write that up.

SOL: I recently loaned money to a family member, and I think I may get burned. Do you have a personal policy on it?
Klaw: I’d never loan money to a friend or family member without assuming I might not get it back. If that makes you uncomfortable, then don’t lend it.

Nick: Ok with Diaz getting added to All star game?
Klaw: Cards needed a rep and it had to be a position player, so yes. Not that I need to be “OK” with it but I know what you’re asking.

Eloy Jimenez: Temper the enthusiasm for me? Or get excited to be a Cubs fan for the next decade with with guys like me still coming up?
Klaw: Nope, I refuse to temper the enthusiasm.

Dave: I know he’s well short of Machado and Correa, but does JP Crawford compare at all to Xander or Seager for all-around upside? Side note: we’ve really been spoiled by the uber SS’s the last few years.
Klaw: Different sort of player. I think Crawford may end up the defensive star of the group, with good OBPs, but lighter on the ‘traditional’ stuff like AVG or especially HR.

Tim: Yohander Mendez has had a nice season and even handled himself well in a spot start in AAA earlier this week. What’s his upside?
Klaw: Maybe #2 starter. Three pitch guy, changeup is plus which isn’t ordinarily what you want from a lefty but CB is at least average, still some projection in the body. His 67 innings this year are actually a career high because he’s had some injury history. I think he was in my Rangers org report in February.

Henry: Bo Bichette is tearing up the GCL so far. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Is he going to work his way into being a legit prospect over the next couple of seasons?
Klaw: Someone asked about him last week too, and my answer hasn’t really changed. I in really liked his bat last summer, but this is a tiny sample in pro ball, and remember his brother, who was never half the prospect Bo is, raked in the GCL too.

Greg P: Keith – what’s the timeframe on Bradley Zimmer’s path to the majors? Power/speed combo, but lots of swing and miss – will that hold him back?
Klaw: Gotta hit lefties or he’ll be just a platoon guy.

Lars: Do you see Trevor Bauer or Danny Duffy being able to maintain this for a long period of time?
Klaw: Both have the potential. Probably more a believer in Bauer than Duffy.

Anthony: Franco not in top 25 under 25 or honorable mention. Accident or something else?
Klaw: Accident? Really? No.

Steve: Regarding Ryan Dull…did you ever scout him and/or expect this type of success?
Klaw: I think I saw him in 2013 in the AFL and he wasn’t much, but that’s ages ago and really relievers just come out of nowhere. This is another reason putting Brach in the ASG is silly. It happens all the time.

Ron: I think Max Kepler is going to be fine. Takes some pretty good at bat already. Potential All-Star? Above average player? 18-20 Taters a year?
Klaw: Potential All-Star. Could see 20-25 HR, maybe only .240-260 most years, but with solid OBPs because he’ll walk. I say potential All-Star because if I’m light on the bat, or he has a high BABIP year and hits .280, he’ll be an All-Star.

MF: Boros is making waves about the Brewers sending down Davies until his natural turn is back after the ASB. Does he have a point? It does seem odd, but is it unusually “disrespectful”?
Klaw: My main reaction to this was that I was surprised Davies has Boras.

Dilson Herrera: Why was I selected for the Futures game, seeing as I’m no longer considered a prospect?
Klaw: Probably to get a Colombian player on the roster. Whatever – it’s an exhibition, let’s have fun with it.

Craig: Should the pirates trade meadows for MLB help or trade one of their current OFs?
Klaw: This is a topic for another day, but the hard truth is that it’s time to look at the post-McCutchen era in Pittsburgh. They’re not going to pay to keep him, and there’s at least some chance his most productive years are already behind him.

Klaw: That’s all for this week. I’ll be in San Diego on Sunday and hope to meet many of you there. The next chat will be Thursday, after the top 50 prospects update is posted. Thank you as always for reading.

Our July 2nd international free agent preview piece is now up for Insiders.

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Klaw: My features form with a change in the weather. Klawchat.

Nolan LeMond: With quality arms at every level of the minors, the emergence of Mike Soroka and others, and three more high-upside arms added in the first 2 rounds of the draft, do the Braves currently have the best collection of arms you’ve ever seen in one organization at one time?
Klaw: No, I think we’ve seen other teams do this before, like Kansas City a few years ago. The attrition rate is going to be high, unfortunately, unless they’ve figured out something we haven’t about arm health. But I think overall they’ve got the right idea and have a chance to be an absolute powerhouse MLB team in about 3 years if they deploy these assets the right way.

Brad: Atlanta blowing way over its budget has been expected for a while for July 2, but it seems like the Padres are going to get the better haul. Is the group Atlanta is expected to sign the second best?
Klaw: Atlanta is getting the best overall prospect in Maitan, but I don’t think their group beyond him is any better than those of other teams going all in this weekend, other than San Diego, who appear willing to give $400,000 to any random kid walking down the street in Santo Domingo.

Greg: You’ve been pretty clear that Boston shouldn’t trade Moncada or Benintendi in a deal for Teheran. If that’s the case, am I wrong for thinking there isn’t a match between the two teams? Sure seems like Coppy wants bats in the upper levels of the minors.
Klaw: I would agree, at least in that Teheran’s value is probably more than the Red Sox could provide if they won’t trade any of the big 3 prospect bats.

Nick: Have you seen/when are you planning to see some of the 2017 prep guys? Seems like a lot of good ones so far: Brady McConnell, Jordon Adell, Hunter Greene, etc.
Klaw: Saw Adell last summer, will see others later this summer. Greene has definitely jumped out early.

JV (Cleveland): Any early reports on Triston McKenzie, Brady Aiken or Juan Hillman as their pro careers get underway?
Klaw: Yep. All good. Hillman especially good early. Aiken’s healthy with good velocity so far.

Samwise: How bad is Candelario’s glove on 20-80? I’ve seen you say it’s abysmal while others have said average or even slightly above?
Klaw: Unplayable at third base. No idea why anyone’s called it average or slightly above. I’ve seen him a ton over the years.

Tom: Is Baltimore for real? Can the Orioles win the AL East?
Klaw: Of course they can – in fact I’d say they’re the odds-on favorites by virtue of the standings today. For real is another question; I killed them preseason because their rotation looked terrible, and it has been terrible. They have a starters’ ERA of 4.95, fourth-worst in the AL, and have basically one and a half non-replacement-level starters in their rotation. They could ignore the problem and maybe still win the division, but it’s not a great formula for now or for October.

Joe D: Keith, is Dovydas Neverauskas any kind of RP prospect or just a good marketing ploy by MLB to add him to the futures game? Also, is Europe the next untapped market for MLB?
Klaw: I wrote about him in the preview – he’s a good relief prospect, but of course he’s there because he’s Lithuanian, and I think MLB should always try to include as many countries as possible in the Futures Game. Maybe his inning ends up on Lithuanian TV and a bunch of kids see it and want to pick up a baseball.

Samwise: Could Eloy Jiminez be a GUY?
Klaw: Absolutely.

Anonymous: Thamas Szapucki and Andrew Church have both had very good starts to their seasons (Szapucki with 19 k’s and 9 baserunners in 10.2 innings). Should Mets fans be getting excited about these guys. Are they legit?
Klaw: Szapucki’s been legit, plus FB plus CB so far, throwing strikes. Didn’t offer much projection in the draft but the tradeoff is that it’s now stuff. Church I liked in the past but has no history of health, and now that I look he’s not even pitching that well.

Andy: For me, the biggest issue with all the Mets Rights Asshats, Jose Reyes hit 274/310/378 last year while playing in Toronto and Colorado. This is the guy you want to ignore ethics for and put at 3B? We’re not talking forgetting about in-prime Miguel Cabrera drunk driving. So they’re taking the public relations hit, looking insensitive, and putting someone with zero ML innings at 3b, all because they don’t want to throw some cash for Matt Dominguez, Will Middlebrooks, or someone similar.
Klaw: I chose not to discuss the baseball merits of the move at all in my piece on the signing because I thought it would diminish the core issue of whether teams should take a stance on players who’ve committed an act of domestic violence (in this case, a very serious one). It doesn’t seem to me like a sliding scale, where we’ll accept more violence if the player’s better. For me, at least, I would simply say no, this is not who we are as an organization, regardless of what he can do for our team – and if my bosses said, sign him anyway, that’s when I’d walk away from the job.

Jeremy: What were your thoughts on the Giants allowing Madison Bumgarner to bat instead of using a DH? My general thought was that even if he was a better hitter than the alternative (doubtful) the risks associated with him batting as far as injury, tiring him out unnecessarily, etc, were unnecessary and foolish.
Klaw: I think Bochy probably looked at the lack of any RHB on his bench other than Trevor Brown and figured Bumgarner (a RHB) was a better option anyway than the LHB available. I don’t agree with this at all – Bumgarner, for all the HR he hits, has a .226 career OBP and doesn’t exactly hit any kind of pitcher well, so it’s not even helping the team. Then you get into the injury issues you raised and, well, maybe they should address the bench.

Anonymous: No question. Just wanted to say I really enjoyed being in Omaha for the CWS but OMG THE BUNTING MAKE IT STOP
Klaw: The series ended yesterday and the Chanticleers are still throwing over to first base.

Andy: Can I read anything in to Austin Hedges start? What kind of power potential do you see for him?
Klaw: Repeating AAA in a crazy hitter’s environment. That said, I do think he has 20-25 HR power if he can hit enough to get to it.

Nick: Ever been to Au Cheval in Chicago? Does a better burger exist?
Klaw: Is it just me or is that a bad name for a burger place?

Craig: What is the earliest age that most teams will start to track/scout players? 14? 15?
Klaw: International guys like Maitan, 14. Draft players, summer after junior year of HS, usually.

Alan: You’ve caused quite a stir with Atlanta fans by talking about the Nationals still pushing for Maitan. Is this something we should be worried about?
Klaw: A few months ago, maybe a year, the Nats made Maitan an offer that he (may have) accepted, after which Atlanta (reportedly) upper their offer and recaptured him. I heard the Nats were still trying to get Maitan to accept a $7 million offer – and there is actually nothing preventing any of these players from breaking an agreement with a team prior to the deadline because THESE DEALS ARE ALL ILLEGAL. The whole system is totally, royally fucked up.

Matt Neffer: Keith, in your opinion, should the Red Sox be penalized for their actions in the last international signing period or are they just doing what every other clubs does but on a larger scale?
Klaw: Most clubs do it. Boston got caught. I don’t think the penalty is that big of a deal, though, as they’re going to lose a handful of low-probability 16- and 17-year-old prospects, none of whom projected (yet) as average or better guys. Maybe it will end up hurting them, but this seems more like a message sent to other clubs not to pull the same maneuver … even though the system provides plenty of incentive for everyone to do this. See my previous answer.

Michael: Sorry if this is obvious, but could you explain what happens to a pitcher mechanically when he throws a breaking ball that doesn’t break (a hanging curveball or slider)? Is it a lack of concentration?
Klaw: Usually he either didn’t get enough spin on the ball from the rotation of his wrist or it slipped out of his hand earlier than he’d wanted it to. Better question for someone who actually pitched, though.

Michael: I was at an International League game the other day and saw scouts from a club with the NPB. Is that common? Have you ever seen Japanese scouts?
Klaw: All the time. Fall League too. Looking for tweeners and 4A guys who’ll go all Tuffy Rhodes over there.

Derek: Has recent performance (12+ Ks in 3 of 5 starts) given you a reason to update your prior on Reynaldo Lopez – your prior being that he’ll end up in the pen? Apart from whether he’s a starter going forward, putting him in the bullpen is the best way for the Nats to improve the 2016 pen, right? He may not be Chapman or Miller, but he may be close and he’s free.
Klaw: The bullpen opinion is about his delivery, not his stuff. I’d definitely look at him as a pen upgrade rather than trading for one of those guys.

Michael: I’m far from an economics expert and I go back and forth on a minimum wage and forced overtime pay. While I thought the bill introduced the other day was an abomination, isn’t low minor league pay an unfortunate, ugly consequence of free-market capitalism?
Klaw: The market for minor league players is not free, though. Movement is highly restricted by the draft and the reserve clause.

Derek: Bone spurs: are the Mets being reckless with Syndergaard and Matz?
Klaw: I think I said they were being reckless on Buster’s podcast yesterday, but if I did, then I apologize for a take that was way too hot. There’s so much that I don’t know here, from exactly what’s going on their elbows to what the probability is of further injury – I thought spurs and chips potentially led to damage to the UCLs, but perhaps that impression is out of date – to what these players, highly paid adults with agency, want to do. I shouldn’t have come on that strongly about the Mets’ plans here. I’m sorry.

Jose: How does Trey Griffey get drafted and Andrew Beckwith not get drafted?
Klaw: Griffey, you know the answer. Beckwith isn’t really a pro prospect of any sort.

Dave: Favorite Chvrches song? I’d lean towards Clearest Blue. Saw them with Death Cab for Cutie in Cleveland and they were incredible.
Klaw: Leave a Trace or We Sink.

Adam: Are you concerned about Manuel Margot’s low OPS relative to his playing environment or am I just scouting the box score?
Klaw: Your mistake is looking at OPS, which is a garbage stat. Margot is 21 in AAA with a .353 OBP. His slugging is low, dragging down his OPS, but he’s not a power hitter and will likely never be one. His game is defense, OBP, instincts, but not power.

Ryan: With half a season in the books, has your impression of Rhys Hoskins’ future changed at all? I know you have previously said he is one to watch, but I am not sure how much he should be considered a real prospect based on the history of power hitters at Reading. Thanks!
Klaw: He’s hit away from Reading, while Cozens did most of his damage at home. I’m more inclined to buy into Hoskins’ numbers, plus I have never been a fan of Cozens’ makeup whereas I am of Hoskins’.

Chuck Connors: With the expected arrival of Braves new international signings, I assume Braves remain #1 (by a wide margin) in your farm rankings. How do you compare the Braves long-term rebuild strategy to similar teams (i.e. Astros) at this point?
Klaw: Yes, they’d still be at the top. The Astros managed to grab more college guys in the draft and more near-in prospects in trades, though, so I think Atlanta’s rebuild may take longer. That’s good, because by the time their prospects are ready in 2019 or so, people trying to get to games at The Big Con in 2017 will have found parking.

Adam: You said Adrian Morejon could have been a Top 5 pick in this last draft. Would he immediately become a Top 3 prospect in the Padres system once he signs?
Klaw: Margot, Guerra, Quantrill, Morejon?

Jeff: Shortly after Austin Meadows was promoted to AAA you referred to him on Twitter as a “budding superstar”, is it safe to say he’ll likely be back in your next Top 25?
Klaw: All depends on who else is up and down before then. Next list is in two weeks. Remember he wasn’t healthy last time I did an update, so he was around #26-28.

Anonymous: Any plans on a Cape trip? Any names there you want to see or feel obligated to see?
Klaw: trying to figure out how to get there with other obligations this month (TV stuff) and family matters. Not sure yet.

Adam: Is Chris Paddack legit or just too polished for his competition?
Klaw: Legit. 90-95, plus CH, breaking ball will flash above average, average command now, comes right down at hitters. Great pickup for Padres.

@RationalMLBfan: While Dilson Herrera toils in AAA, the Mets have given playing time to Matt Reynolds, Ty Kelly, Eric Campbell, and Kelly Johnson, have signed Jose Reyes. Why?
Klaw: I don’t know, but I said earlier this year they seem to be down on Dilson for reasons no one seems to understand.

Andy NMB: Hey Keith, who decides on who makes the futures game? On the USA side just a few outfielders. Wondering why Judge although SSS is maybe one of the hottest hitters. I figured he’d be there. Also after signing 1st pick Rutherford, how is the yanks minor league rankings? New rankings coming soon? Thanks for all the hard work…insider, dish & newsletter. Your the best!!
Klaw: Remember that teams get to say no – for example, I believe the Pirates said no on Glasnow, either because they just didn’t want him to pitch (fearing injury) or because they were looking at calling him up before the game. I know MLB puts together wishlists and doesn’t get everyone they want.

Jim: So, Keith, although his June surge is logically unsustainable, is Danny Espinosa now entrenched at SS for 2016? And what does this mean for Trea Turner? Is the CF “experiment” real, or a blip? Thanks!
Klaw: Yep, I think that’s the rest of the season for them, including Turner in CF. He’s probably an 80 runner and has good instincts; I’d be very surprised if he couldn’t become an average defender there, and they could use his OBP skills at the top of the lineup.

EC: Thoughts on Giolito’s first game?
Klaw: Looked good, not his best. CB was ridiculous. FB command was not great, although I liked how he gathered himself after each of the walks to get back into the zone. Was hoping to see more CH, but he got some quick outs on pop-ups and you’ll take those every time. Promising, but in a way I’m glad he was done after four innings because I thought he was going to run into trouble the third time through the order.

EC: I work for a member of Congress and can tell you that Rep. Boustos revoking her support for the America’s Pastime bill is the quickest I’ve ever seen that happen. Her staff must have done an awful job researching for her.
Klaw: I have a feeling she supported it because her dad was a longtime MLB lobbyist and she didn’t look into the bill. Next we need to go after Rep. Guthrie; perhaps he has an opponent this year who supports basic labor rights?

Josh: Keith, as someone who briefly passed through your world (I did the DodgerDivorce thing), I just wanted to say I’m glad you are getting the opportunity to share your views on things like the Reyes signing. While I don’t always agree with you (although I do here), it is refreshing to see reasoned, thoughtful opinion featured and promoted by your monolith employer.
Klaw: Thank you. My editor actually encouraged me to write that piece after seeing me comment on the signing on BBTN on Saturday. I don’t think that would have happened a few years ago, so there are positive things happening in Bristol that you don’t hear about.

Bob: Are the recent reports on Dylan Cease in the NWL similar to the very positive reports from the spring?
Klaw: I heard secondhand that he hit 103 the other day, so, yeah.

Dan L.: Keith I understand not voting for Trump, but how could anyone vote for a person who used all her power and contacts to try and destroy or discredit all of her husbands victims of serial assault or rape? Seems they get a huge pass from people who are always up in arms about other people who do the same. I personally think they are all scum.
Klaw: You have three choices. One, Johnson, is a protest vote with no chance to win. I don’t agree with Trump on matters of science, gender, race, immigration, taxation, regulation, abortion, gun rights, foreign policy, freedom of worship, energy policy, entitlements … and more. So, unless you’re advocating that I abstain, I think my choice here is pretty straightforward.

Brian: I saw Ashe Russell pitched is first inning of the season the other night for the AZL Royals. Have you heard if he was dealing with an injury this season. I just found it curious that Nolan Watson started at Lexington all season but Russell was left back. Thanks.
Klaw: He was 87-91 in extended.

JT: After a slow start, Tyler Beede has had a really strong June in AA, calling out an improved feel for his change up. Do you think he can keep momentum going and be an solid #3? Maybe a #2?
Klaw: More like a #4-5. Doubt he’ll ever have average command.

Jon: Bo Bichette had unbelievable high school stats and in an extreme SSS he has continued those numbers (obp over 500). Any chance he hits his way to A or High A?
Klaw: It’s 19 AB in pro ball … and this year? He’s 18. If he gets to the NYP league that’s enough.

Ian: Why didn’t the Twins ever send Kepler to the Future’s game?
Klaw: He was on the roster two years ago and got hurt.

Angelo: What’s your favorite “cheap” meat to cook? I’ve been doing pork shoulder lately but need to mix it up while being on a budget.
Klaw: That’s probably my best suggestion too. You can often get less popular cuts of steak for less – flap meat, for example, or sometimes skirt steak.

Sean: Remember when all the experts were having to eat so much crow as the phillies ran away with the NL East. Those were some good times, can’t wait until next May for overreaction theater to happen again.
Klaw: What I really remember is fans asking me if the Phillies would add pieces before the trade deadline. Derp.

Larry: Any word on where Lazarito is leaning?
Klaw: No. I looked into it a little this week, just to see if I’d missed something, and no one had any idea. He’s turned down some decent offers though.

Elton: What did you see in Gregory Polanco to allow you to predict (correctly) that his power would improve?
Klaw: I believed in his swing and hand strength.

Rob: Any chance that Aristides Aquino becomes an impact player at the MLB level. Seems to be holding his own at AA this year but has struggled previous years.
Klaw: Great tools but he’s 22 in high-A (not AA) and I think that’s a big part of why he’s playing well. Would really like to see him get to AAA next summer so the Reds can see how much of this improvement is real, not just age.

addoeh: You seemed to thoroughly enjoy Omaha. What cities (MLB, MILB, College) have most exceeded your expectations from a culinary standpoint?
Klaw: Omaha, Nashville, Charleston, Minneapolis, Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix (cheating, since i lived there), OKC.

Tyler: Several times this year you’ve advocated for TEX to turn the page on Prince Fielder. At the same time, you are always cautious about SSS when a guy is going good. What is a large enough sample size to determine a player has gone bad and is done? Fielder, for example, was solid last year, so it seems like a decision to dump him is based only on this year.
Klaw: He wasn’t solid last year, though; he had a fluky first two months or so but his bat speed was visibly down and he was getting killed on hard stuff in. Sure enough, he was much worse in the second half as teams changed how they pitched him, and it’s gotten worse for him this year. His bat speed is gone. This is why I watch.

Pat: Keith – Bundy is starting to look good, man. Give me a dose of reality so I don’t get too excited
Klaw: He’s been cultivated so carefully this year that it’s creating unrealistic expectations. He’s still got calcification in his shoulder and his arm swing is so much more restricted than it used to be.

Anonymous: Hey Klaw, teacher here…I’m on summer break and can finally make your chats live! Is Verdugo for Vizcaino about right in terms of value?
Klaw: No, massive overpay for Dodgers.

mike: Help Klaw, yesterday my 2 year old was thrown out of “Dance” instead of taking my wife aside to tell them to leave the instructor did so in front of all the other moms and kids. Im pissed. In the meantime she tells my wife clingy kids never change and come back in 5 years. How can she do this
Klaw: did your 2-year-old start chanting “Jet Fuel Can’t Melt Steel Beams!” in the middle of “Baby Beluga?”

Harvey: Will Jason Groome really attend Jr College?
Klaw: This is the threat, but I think it’s a poor bluff. Next year’s draft class is much stronger in college pitching, and Groome will not likely be more valuable in that class than he was in this one. Also, the makeup concerns about him are not going to vanish with a year at junior college. The Red Sox can offer him about $4 million without giving up a pick next year and he’d be ill-advised to turn that down.

Jack Burton: Did Arcia just need a change of scenery?
Klaw: Yes – or more specifically he just needed to be left alone to play.

Harvey: Is E Rod tipping pitches just a cover for a bigger problem?
Klaw: My guess is that his knee is still bothering him. Can’t do much as a pitcher if you can’t plant your leg.

Robes: Alex Bregman, better than expected?
Klaw: No, just the power, which could easily be a half-season fluke. Everyone thought he’d hit, even in HS.

Jeff: I am a firm believer in not voting if a worthy candidate is not on the ballot. People tell me, “you can’t complain if you don’t vote” – the hell I can’t. Record-low voter turnout would be a wonderful statement to make, IMO.
Klaw: It’s also how you get extremist candidates elected.

Rob: Do you think Lucas Giolito should continue to start once strasburg returns from the DL?
Klaw: In whose stead? He might be a better option than Gio Gonzalez, but I wouldn’t guarantee that, and they’re not demoting Gio to the bullpen anyway so that’s a stupid idea, Klaw.

Dale: Can you define what you mean by “makeup” when describing a prospect? Is it like “character”? Pedigree? Bloodlines? Thanks
Klaw: Pedigree and bloodlines are irrelevant. I’m talking about the type of person a player is, particularly the stuff that matters – work ethic, aptitude, communication skills, willingness to learn.

MichaelT: Re: Reyes and Chapman, is it fair to say your position is that once a player is accused and punished for DV that no team should ever employ him, or that he needs to do something else (not sure what that is) before he can return to the field? I believe that’s the part of the question that throws some fans.
Klaw: What throws me is fans caring about that question rather than saying, oh, hey, he beat his wife, so fuck that guy.

JG: Should Buxton just be left to play?
Klaw: Yes. And perhaps there’s an issue with the Twins’ coaching staff and young hitters? I’m speculating here.

TedT: Has Trey Ball pitched well enough this year to justify his high draft pick and does he project as a major league starter? Reliever?
Klaw: Stuff hasn’t really ticked up. So projectable but it’s never come to pass as expected.

Ed: You’re talking about Atlanta maybe being a powerhouse if they handle their assets correctly. Are you referring to trades for bats?
Klaw: Some of that, yes. Pick the ones to keep, flip some for bats.

Trey: I believe the gentleman was suggesting you abstain from voting. They’re all terrible, I won’t vote so I can openly criticize them all. 2017-2021 is going to be awfully interesting with either Clinton or Trump at the helm.
Klaw: I can vote for someone, because I think her opponent is dangerous, and criticize her at the same time. People who are saying they’re abstaining this year despite their disdain for Trump seem a bit disingenous to me; there must be some level at which you’d vote for a candidate you disliked simply to try to defeat a candidate who scares the hell out of you.

Luke: You’ve guided me correctly with Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and Splendor, what should the next game be for my family with a 7-year old son?
Klaw: You’ve hit the big three for sure. It’s a bit less common but Cacao is a tile-laying game like Carcassonne with simpler scoring and shorter playing times.

addoeh: The folly of the electoral college. Some people, like me, can make a protest vote and it won’t impact the election because they live in an uncompetitive state. If you live in a battleground state, that may not be possible.
Klaw: I’ve actually never voted in a Presidential election while living in a state where my vote might have mattered. Delaware, my current state, hasn’t gone Republican since 1988. Massachusetts, where I voted in five elections, hasn’t since 1984. Arizona, where I voted in 2012, has gone Democrat once (1996) since 1948. So this is all so much talk.

Sedale: Obviously you were as high as anyone on C. Seager, but has his production thus far even surprised you? He’s on pace for a 30 HR/.800+OPS season as a rookie short stop and has been the Dodgers best bat by far.
Klaw: I wasn’t this high on him in the draft – not until he got to pro ball and I saw how advanced the approach was for his age. He also made a really rapid adjustment when the Dodgers saw he was starting to develop a soft front side in high-A; I think players who make adjustments that rapidly are showing you they’re going to be the exceptions going forward too.

Ian: I think you overstate the power Trump would have. He’s an idiot and couldn’t do many of the things he has suggested. But Clinton’s rhetoric on national security should be getting a lot more attention from progressives. This might be a line in the sand moment. Do we want internet privacy to go away? Do we want drones spying on US citizens (or killing them)? Do we want the govt to fight harder against FOIA? I laugh at Trump and his brand of ignorance but Clinton’s more frightening, IMHO.
Klaw: Presenting this for a little balance, since I didn’t address any of what I dislike about HRC’s policies. You nailed some of them; in general, I do not agree with the Democratic Party’s stances on many issues, including many questions of food policy. (Keep the Republicans out of my bedroom and the Democrats out of my kitchen.) On drones, though, isn’t Trump proposing to use them to monitor the border with Mexico? And to step up airstrikes in the Middle East? I’m basically anti-drone, period, but at this point that’s about as politically tenable a position as reinstating the Volstead Act.

James: reyes – I read your article and understand your feelings on those who hit their wives/family members but if reyes would have taken the year off, gotten counseling (not the lip service kind), got a mentor, would you have supported him coming back or is it a zero tolerance policy? Also, how does your opinion change of some hitting their wife vs. someone who beats up a stranger? I am not trying to corner you, just trying to understand a little more.
Klaw: Domestic violence is not equivalent to beating up a stranger. Domestic abuse is an exercise of power and intimidation. I have never said Reyes should be banned; I have said I would not sign him if I were a GM, and I will criticize a GM who does.

Chris: I’m curious about your opinion on redemption for DV and sexual assault perpetrators. Can there be reform for these individuals? Redemption? To be clear, I don’t mean redemption through athletic performance, but perhaps through therapy, and committing oneself to preventing others from committing DV or sexual assault.
Klaw: I don’t think sexual assaulters can be reformed.

Scott: Is the power Marcus Semien showing real? Because with his improvement in defense, oakland might have themselves a player worth keeping.
Klaw: I don’t think he’s a 30 HR guy going forward – if he is, then hell yeah they have something worth keeping – but between the swing changes, the athleticism, and the hints of power he showed in the minors I could see him now being a 20+ HR guy. He’s definitely an asset now.

Munchkin: Besides Amed Rosario, is there any other exciting high ceiling Mets prospect? It seems Dom, Nimmo, etc have mostly been meh and haven’t developed much.
Klaw: Nimmo I agree. Smith is still just 21 in AA, too soon for you to give up on him. I liked Lindsay from last year’s draft quite a bit. Also think they did pretty well with Dunn this year, another very high-ceiling kid, and I mentioned Szapucki earlier as a dude to watch.

Adam: What are your thoughts on Coppy publicly admitting the Olivera deal was a bad one?
Klaw: He’s right, of course, and I applaud him for saying it. It wasn’t just a bad trade, though; it was a bad evaluation of the player, and ultimately, it’s on the evaluators who said Olivera was something more than he actually was as a player to bear responsibility for a bad deal.

Todd: I’m actually very interested in your answer to MichaelT’s question. And I don’t want my curiosity to sound like a judgment of you; I’m trying to figure out how I feel about the subject and why. On one hand, YES, fuck that guy. On the other hand I am wary of the misanthropic implications of essentially blackballing someone (and I have a hard time separating what he did from the professional suspension he already received). While I fully understand the dangerous psychology behind his criminal behavior, I also believe it costs me when I don’t allow other human beings the space to change. In short, I have a theoretical basis for giving Reyes a chance to grow and learn, while I have an emotional basis for wanting him to piss off and die. Maybe if we didn’t have centuries of oppression, marginalization and abuse of women it would be easier to decide what punishment an abuser should get in each realm of his life.
Klaw: Reyes can get on with his life; I just don’t need to see him do it on a major league baseball field. Playing this sport for salaries of six, seven, or eight figures is not a right, but a privilege. You can lose it, and beating up a woman or raping someone is a fairly good reason to lose it. (A better reason, I’d argue, than failing three steroid tests.) He can go find something else to do with his life.

Sean: I think it’s a bit disingenuous to say that every team does what Boston is being punished for doing. The majority of teams have never exceeded their pools, so they could never have been in a position to need to circumvent the restrictions. It’s the attempt to circumvent the punishment that is their “crime.”
Klaw: Most teams arrange deals prior to July 2nd with agents, which in and of itself is illegal. The whole system is screwed up. I’m saying what Boston did is not unique and at worst marginally worse than all these teams cooking up deals before negotiations are even permitted.

Taylor: Has Ronald Guzman turned the corner?
Klaw: Don’t know; he hasn’t sustained the hot start, and doesn’t have much track record of success, but since he won’t turn 22 until October I’m not going to say anything too harsh here. Merely doing what he’s done in total in AA this year is a positive step.

Tony H: Can a player improve makeup? I’m thinking of someone like Carlos Carrasco who some evaluators — including yourself IIRC — dinged for having makeup problems years ago. Did he just become a better person or is his talent just overwhelming his personal flaws.
Klaw: He was immature and grew up. That happens a lot. (And yes, I dinged him AND Gio Gonzalez for it.) Some issues are bigger; some are issues in certain teams’ eyes and not in others (e.g., marijuana use). The ones that bother me the most are players who don’t or won’t work hard, and players who refuse to work with multiple coaches. It’s a hard game when you won’t even listen to help.

Arin, Ca: What happened to Conforto? Did the Mets miss use him?
Klaw: Aside from the wrist issue, benching him vs LHP really seemed to screw up his mechanics at the plate, so he was pulling off the ball more vs RHP and his whole approach went pear-shaped. I really think Collins is the Mets’ #1 problem right now. If he won’t play young players, they need another manager.

Cam: Is Daniel Norris the answer for the Tigers going forward? Is he fully healthy
Klaw: I don’t know about his health but I’d be very happy moving forward with a rotation that has him and Fulmer at the top of it.

Steve: When are you doing your “Best Under 25” column?
Klaw: Next week, probably.

Doug: Was there any thought by you to head up to MSG for the only NA show for Stone Roses last night? Admittedly, pure bucket list in nature for me, but am so glad I made the trek, as they were 10x better than my expectations
Klaw: Had I liked the two new singles more, perhaps. But I haven’t loved them … and by the way, I’ll have a new music post and playlist up in a little bit.

Klaw: That’s all for this week. Thank you as always for reading and for all of your questions. I’ll be back next week, likely Thursday, for another chat.