Starting at 1 pm ET. My 2021 Prospect of the Year column is now up for subscribers to the Athletic, and my ranking of the ten best out-of-print board games is up at Paste.

Keith Law: It’s that time of year again – I can taste the air. Klawchat.

Steve: Please rank eventual ceiling of Rays’ pitchers  McClanahan, Baz, and Patino. Thanks.
Keith Law: One of those guys was top 5 on my midseason prospect ranking. He’s the clear answer. I also think McClanahan is limited to a five-and-dive starter – if he stays healthy – because he’s always going to have some trouble with right-handers.

Deke: I’ve noticed you appear to be fairly adamant about not ending a sentence with a preposition, sometimes (IMO) to the detriment of the sentence’s flow. It’s a rule that was taken from Latin and has no actual application in English — essentially a fake rule forced into a rule it doesn’t belong. I am basically 100% sure that you know this, so I’m curious — do you do it because you think the rule SHOULD apply, or just to avoid annoying pedants yelling at you and having to go through the conversation?
Keith Law: I write the way that sounds right in my head. Prepositions take objects, so a preposition should come before an object if possible. The terminal preposition just sounds wrong to me. The Latin thing is a myth though.

David: Do you have any thoughts on how Preller has kept this job so long? He’s certainly acquired considerable minor league talent, but the organization has shown a remarkably poor ability to assess talent at or near the major-league level during his tenure (Myers’ extension and the signing of Hosmer being perhaps the most egregious examples, but certainly not the only ones), and none of the managers he’s chosen have worked out very well. I can’t help thinking that it’s time for ownership to clean house and hire someone with a different approach (Jason McLeod?).
Keith Law: I wonder if Hosmer was him or ownership. It’s diametrically opposed to anything else he’s done as GM. As you said, they have acquired an absurd amount of talent, through all channels, and I don’t think one year of some horrible injury luck should outweigh that. The fire Preller camp is extremely reactionary.

Michael: Hi Keith – Any thoughts on the NL MVP race?  I know Tatis and Soto have had great years, but watching Harper the last few weeks has been a revelation. I am shocked when opposing managers pitch to him he is so locked in. Thanks for the chat!
Keith Law: If I had a ballot – I don’t, of course, because the powers that be don’t want me to vote – I’d have Harper on top. Tatis is the best player in baseball, but he’s missed 25+ games, and that’s a factor in the MVP award.

Guest: Would love to see Sam Bachman get some work in the AZFL. He hasn’t pitched since Sept. 1st after COVID protocols in High-A, and then again after his promotion to AA. With only 14IP in pro ball would you send him to AZ or sit him down knowing he’s been throwing on and off since Feb.?
Keith Law: I’d love to see him, but since he had a shoulder scare in the spring, resting him is probably the better option. Start fresh next year with a single plan for the entire season.

Devon: What’s your outlook on William Contreras? I think he’s actually looked really good at the plate (given his age and big defensive responsibilities) but Braves fans have been frustrated by his defense. Do you think he just needs more reps behind the plate or is a move off the position necessary to keep the bat in the lineup?
Keith Law: I have never thought before that his defense was a problem –  if you read my pre-season capsule on him, you can see I was pretty positive about it – and I also think judging a catcher in his first year in the majors is probably unfair.

Mike: Keith, I know we can’t scout the stat line, but it seems Mark Vientos had a great year. I read his defense is not great though. What are your thoughts on him?
Keith Law: He can hit, and the power is legit. I had him as a fringy defender before the season and it sounds like that’s about right … maybe even a tick worse. But they already have more first basemen than they can use, so I wouldn’t try to move him just yet.

Trevor: You’ve touted the Mets and their home grown talent, yet no playoff appearances amongst the group since 2016. Failure fall on the players, the front office, or other?
Keith Law: You kind of skipped over the part where they hired a completely unqualified person to be GM (when they could have hired Chaim Bloom) and let him trade away their top prospect for nowhere near enough in return.

Troy: What is the Tigers Ryan Kreidler ceiling?
Keith Law: I saw him this summer – I think he’s an extra guy.

Mac: Are you feeling better about Jarred Kelenic’s long term future?
Keith Law: Yes. I was never actually worried about him – the gap between the minors and the majors right now appears to be the biggest it’s ever been. A lot of good prospects are going to struggle right out of the chute.

Mike: Keith, you are named POBO of the Mets. What do you do with Stroman, Conforto & Syndergaard? Who do you sign/ offer QO?
Keith Law: I’d offer all three. Take the picks if they leave. And I’d have interest in bringing all three guys back, too – the first two on long-term deals, Thor maybe a make-good one since he’ll be working his way back into next year.

Tim: Should the winner of the NL West with the best record in baseball have the choice of who they want to play vs. mandating they play the wildcard winner in the Division Series?  This year more than ever it would seem the Brewers are going to have the advantage of facing a much weaker team regardless of who wins the east and who wins the wildcard game.
Keith Law: Nah, the system is what it is. I have issues with the playoff structure but the #1 seed facing the second-weakest team rather than the weakest team isn’t one of them.

Mike: Klaw, I read some executives say Cohen’s tweets will scare some people away from the Mets. Do you believe this? Big market team/wealthy owner (still feels good to say that), why wouldn’t anyone want the job, especially for top $$$.
Keith Law: I think it’s complete bullshit. And so are these candidate lists that recycle the same white men who’ve had that job before. I saw one “list” that included a guy who clearly failed in previous stops as a GM. Why would the Mets do that? There are plenty of good candidates out there, some of whom haven’t had the opportunity yet, some of whom aren’t – gasp – the same white men who’ve already had that chance!

Billy: Will you be chatting every week again come this off-season?  These are the highlight of the internet each week.
Keith Law: I appreciate that, but it’ll really depend on what else I have going on.

Trevor: Kevin Maitan was said to be the greatest international signee since Miguel Sano. What did the scouts miss about his profile?
Keith Law: I don’t believe I ever said that – he was hyped up at age 14 but he was already very physically developed for the age, and at 16/17 he made it clear that those evaluations were in error. He wasn’t that good of a hitter and his body had gone the wrong way.

John: Your thoughts on Austin Martin?  Where does he help the Twins ? CF?   Next year?
Keith Law: I’d refer you back to my writeup of the trade – I think that all holds true. We’ll see how he looks in March after the Twins have had a chance to work with him on his swing, and once he’s farther removed from the wrist injury/

John: Why do you folks think Trump is still presidential material?  Amazing how much loyalty he attracts even with his craziness.
Keith Law: He exploits his adherents, still they love him.

Luca: Keibert Ruiz and Joe Ryan…yay or nay?
Keith Law: They’re both prospects, yes. Ruiz was on my top 50 (see above).

Friar Fan: Meulens, Alomar Jr, Alou, Boch? Have a prediction for a new manager in SD if Ting goes?
Keith Law: If Preller is picking, it’s more likely someone he knows from the Texas system. Those sound like names that reporters throw around.

Chris: If you had to pick one long term, Kelenic or Julio?
Keith Law: Kelenic. Middle of the diamond player.

Kevin: Is the complete game going away ? How would you run a pitching staff?
Keith Law: Oh it’s gone. CGs are oddities now.

Zac: When Chris Illitch took over, the public opinion is he was in to make money and he won’t spend money to win. Do Tigers fans have the right to be angry if he doesn’t sign one of the premium shortstops this off-season?
Keith Law: I hate that mindset – sign one of these players, or you suck.

Alex In Austin: I found Wingspan to be a bit too solo and lacking interaction.  Is it just me?
Keith Law: It does lack much interaction. I don’t think that’s a flaw; it’s a matter of taste.

Scherzers_Blue_Eye: What do you make of Josiah Gray? Very up and down rookie year–a couple of really good starts, a couple of stinkers.
Keith Law: I think there’s a lot of learning how best to use the stuff he has there. He has the stuff to be a legit above-average starter. He has to use it more effectively – location, command, pitching plan.

CHOP: Indigo Diaz? What are the reports you have heard?
Keith Law: He’s a one-inning reliever. He could be very good in that role in the majors, but the attrition rate of pure relief prospects is really high.

Robert: Arte Moreno, worst owner in baseball? The sheer number of terrible stories coming out of Anaheim, from the Skaggs tragedy and lawsuit to the minor league treatment, that don’t even approach the problems within the lines is nothing short of embarrassing.
Keith Law: Don’t forget his open support of Trump!

Mac: Is the elimination of short season the only reason so many teams had so aggressive assignments this year?
Keith Law: It is *a* reason. I don’t think it’s the only one. I think it’s hurting the lowest tier of players, though.

Hunter: Thoughts on our current administrations performance. Afgan, border, covid, oil, Hunters laptop cover up, seem to not be going so well. Haven’t seen any criticism from you yet.
Keith Law: Your mistake was the “Hunters laptop cover up” part. You are actually looking for r/thedonald.

Bill: Thoughts on Mountcastle’s season?
Keith Law: Kind of what I expected. Not sure where they’re going to play him long term.

Ben: Hi, Keith. Heard on your podcast that you came to Taiwan to meet with two former players in Keng Buo Hsuen and Cheng Chi Hong,. As a scout, what are some of the biggest challenges when scouting players outside the U.S.?
Keith Law: I’m not sure I’m the best person to answer that, since I haven’t really covered the international market. I can say that the way Taiwanese amateur pitchers are used – throwing side sessions every day, at least back when we were there – is a pretty big problem if you’re trying to sign guys and keep them healthy.

Will E.: Was Alek Thomas under-scouted out of HS? Looks like him vs Kelenic is now debatable as the top bat in that HS class.
Keith Law: Don’t think so – I had him as a first-round talent, and he was at some major events like the NHSI. Everyone saw him.

Chris: In the 20’ish years you’ve been doing prospect lists, what is the most you’ve seen a player in a year(in person, video)? Perhaps maybe like 25IP and 25 PA for a few players every year?
Keith Law: When Pratto/Melendez were here two years ago I probably saw 40-50 PA from each. I stopped taking notes because they weren’t making adjustments and it was futile waiting for something to improve. It’s all the more remarkable that they’ve done what they’ve done this year.

ProjectBiscuit: Has any player or his parents/close ones ever thanked you for being the high guy on him as a prospect compared to other evaluators? For example, I think Trae Turner’s dad thanked Kiley in person for being higher on him than most evaluators going back to when he and Rodon were teammates.
Keith Law: Yes, quite a few times. It’s a nice feeling when that happens but I don’t know if it would be appropriate to disclose their names.

Ken: Hey Keith, I was the guy on twitter a week or two ago arguing that Dave Parker shouldnt be in the HOF due based on  his career WAR and little value he provided after ’79 (other than ’85).  Broadly, speaking when I discuss WAR with others in terms of HOF, assuming standard 15 year career (ages 23-38) I working working with a model of anything over 70 is auto placement, anything under 60 doesnt get you there, 60 is where the conversation begins and really 68 is the minimal sweet spot thus i call a 4.5 WAR season a HOF worthy season.  Understanding everyone has a different floor for the HOF, am I off in my thinking using this as a loose but reasonable guideline for 15ish year careers?
Keith Law: I would say that’s a good starting point, but you always want to consider the context of a player’s career rather than just creating those hard cut-offs. I can say that, okay, Salvador Perez isn’t even getting to 40 WAR in his career, that’s not a HoFer, but I would take more serious looks at players starting in the 50s in WAR.

Rodney: Do you think it would’ve been in the best interests of player and team for the Reds to call Hunter Greene up to work out of the bullpen in September? Any thoughts on why they didn’t?
Keith Law: He missed a start with soreness in his AC joint in August. I’m assuming that’s why.

Famous Twitter User @Whitey_83: At this point, should any of the young outfielders in Atlanta’s system figure into the team’s 2022 plans?
Keith Law: I want to be open-minded on Pache, who did show a good bit more patience in AAA this year, but for a team that’s trying to win he might be a risk they can’t take in the short term. So probably not.

JL: No question, just wanted to plug for people to vote in their local elections this November. Here in Kansas, some anti-mask nuts are running for open seats and I imagine that’s happening throughout the rest of the country, too.
Keith Law: Amen.

Luis Robert: I am hitting .355/.393/.559 with a 160 wRC+ and .404 wOBA over my 262 PAs this season. That’s 3.1 fWAR in just 60 games. If I stay healthy next year, am I a top-5 player in baseball?
Keith Law: With a .424 BABIP. So, yes, if your true talent level is a .424 BABIP, you will be a top-5 player in baseball.

Bob: Seems like Adley Rutschman has gotten better at AAA. How long do we have to wait to see him in the big leagues in 2022?
Keith Law: I’d note that pretty much every prospect is hitting for more power in AAA than below. But Rutschman should be their Opening Day catcher.

David: Any update on the Rockies’ GM search? Local media seems resigned to Schmidt keeping the job, with the caveat that he might well be a good candidate in the end.  But having no external candidates seems like a real problem, given how the last few years have gone.
Keith Law: I bet it’s Schmidt. I’d take him over the field at this point.

Chris: How concerned should the Yankees be with Jasson Dominguez strikeout numbers? Is it just his adjustment after a lost season, or something more?
Keith Law: Isn’t he 18? in full-season ball!

JJ: Speaking of MVP voting, isn’t MLB concerned about John Henry owning both the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Globe?  Last season, Julian McWilliams of the Globe voted for two Red Sox on his ballot — including putting Alex Verdugo at 5th — while the team was hideous.  Does MLB just not care that one employee was essentially voting for his coworkers?
Keith Law: The team being hideous is irrelevant. The conflicts of interest are rife – MLB.com writers can vote, because they’re eligible for BBWAA membership now (as they should be), but that means they’re now paid by the league.

Jeff: Where do you come down on the Kiermaier fiasco? I say he did nothing wrong.
Keith Law: I say he did. Sketchy.

HGarcia81: Hey Keith – Hope all is well with you and your family. Is your wife feeling better now?
Keith Law: Still dealing with a lot of residual fatigue, even a month after she was done with the main sickness from COVID-19. I can’t imagine how deluded you must be to think you’d rather risk getting that sick than get a safe, effective vaccine.

MS: Frank Schwindel and Pat Wisdom starting next year?
Keith Law: I would bet against that.

Aaron C.: How does Klaw “watch” baseball? (Not just “with my eyes” lol) Is it background noise while you’re cooking? Are you armed with a list of recent call ups and flipping channels to get another look at players you’ve scouted? Do you watch milb dot tv, instead? Just curious.
Keith Law: MILB.tv is too frustrating to watch … it’s such a poor substitute for being there. I watch more major league games if I’m home, just bouncing game to game to see interesting players.

ChrisP: Gore has made it back up to AA, but are you hearing any update on how his delivery has progressed from the complex?
Keith Law: You’ve probably seen the video – Longenhagen posted some. That’s the delivery now.

FWIW: FWIW, Stroman can’t be QOed
Keith Law: Ah yes, he took a QO last year. Thank you.

MS: When you go to these board game conventions, where do you stand on nerd level 1-5; 5 being super nerd
Keith Law: I mean, we’re all big nerds there, and happy to be so.
Keith Law: I feel pretty socially capable there, though. Like, no one is looking at me like I’m the biggest nerd in the (giant) room. I think.

Kevin w: Overall, have you been happy with this administration?  I personally can quibble with a few things (lack of progress on voting rights being one), but overall been very pleased.
Keith Law: Yes, and yes. I have no idea what this Haitian immigrant decision is about – it seems antithetical to anything the party should stand for, like it’s just a fear of riling up the people who are never voting blue anyway. They’re just not doing enough overall, given the control of the White House and both houses of Congress.

Aaron C.: Should I read anything into Nick Allen slugging .254 at AAA-Las Vegas (in a teeny sample) other than dude might be worn out from crisscrossing the globe to hit a little white ball in 2021?
Keith Law: Very small sample.

Jay: Red Sox vs. Yankees this weekend — if one of those teams misses the playoffs with a $200 million payroll, should their season be viewed as a failure?
Keith Law: Not a fan of that mindset either but it’s endemic. They’re in a really tough division – four teams contending, one of which went to the WS last year, two spending that kind of money, and Toronto a strong playoff team last year with a higher payroll than they’ve had in, what, 15 years? They literally can not all make the playoffs.

Bob: I truly appreciate you baseball coverage, but personally think your a Liberal nut case.
Keith Law: *you’re

Gabe: Spencer Howard. Too early to throw in the towel?
Keith Law: Let’s see him get healthy and get a regular role in Texas. The phillies jerked him around quite a bit, and his shoulder barked a few times this year and back in 2019.

Bill G: Keith, you were high on Detmers in your mid-season update.  He struggled in his MLB games.  Is this SSS, or did you see something that gave you cause for concern.  Does the gap in MLB vs. minor leagues apply to pitchers as well?  Thanks.
Keith Law: I think it applies to everybody.

Dungeon Master: Any idea if CJ Abrams, Corbin Carroll, or Royce Lewis are recovered enough to participate in AZ Fall League?
Keith Law: I don’t know, but I am assuming Lewis won’t be, given the injury. I’d be thrlled to see any of them.

Joe: You recommended a book by N. K. Jemisin to me a while ago. It’s still on my reading list but I picked up The City We Became by the same author and am really enjoying it. Thanks. And when you’re in San Diego if you haven’t already checked out Mysterious Galaxy I recommend it.  Great book store that focuses on fantasy and sci-fi but does have other genres.
Keith Law: Excellent, thank you.

Mac: i.e. Alek Thomas “and he was at some major events like the NHSI. Everyone saw him.” He was bad at that event and many teams killed him. Yet another example of teams giving up on a northern hitter too soon.
Keith Law: I was there. He wasn’t bad at that event. And teams saw him after that too, since it was basically the start of his spring (and near the end of a lot of southern kids’ springs).

Mike: Also, Mets fans want Luis Rojas gone immediately after game 162 but I can’t help but see his resume as someone who is going to be a great manager elsewhere. I’m sure you know Rojas well from the minors, what are your thoughts on him going forward?
Keith Law: He should be on every team’s short list if he’s scapegoated in NY.

Rick: I have a friend from college who won’t stop texting me shit about “Hunter’s laptop” – he’s a doctor and he refuses to get the covid vaccine because of unknown long-term side effects. So, that guy is in good company.
Keith Law: It’s a disease.
Keith Law: Well, COVID-19, and Trumpism.

Matt: A national baseball reporter with an endless fixation on the Orioles rebuild tweeted today that, while the Dbacks are equally as bad, at least they tried and spent $80 million on Bumgarner. How do you feel about the perspective that even if you throw $80 million a way on an aging pitcher, it was worth just because you spent it?
Keith Law: I mean, sure, they did try, and that’s worth praising, but it also hasn’t worked out, and that’s worth acknowledging. I am not going to criticize the Orioles for choosing not to do that. They will have to spend on pitching at some point, but last winter wasn’t the right time and maybe this winter isn’t either.

Daniel: Any thoughts at all on Ryan Garko being hired as the Tigers director of player development? There’s basically no information about him since he retired from playing.
Keith Law: I’m a fan. He coached at Stanford for a year, had an important role with the Angels, very smart guy. Stanford should have hired him to be their head coach, to be honest.

Snoogans: Who are some early candidates for the top 10 songs of the year? Albums?
Keith Law: Little Simz’ Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is my top album of the year. Arlo Parks’ Collapsed in Sunbeams, Mdou Moctar’s Afrique Victime, Gojira’s Fortitude, and Kid Kapichi’s This Time Next Year are up there for me. Top songs besides some of the tracks on those records … Robert Plant/Alison Krauss’ “Can’t Let Go,” Jonah Nilsson’s “Diamond Ring,” Wolf Alice’s “Smile,” CHVRCHES’ “How Not to Drown,” Jungle’s “Truth,” Jorja Smith’s “Addicted,” Royal Blood’s “Typhoons,” and Griff’s “Black Hole” are all contenders.

Lido: Torey Luvollo got an extension yesterday. Good move or bad move?
Keith Law: I was surprised. People who cover that org tend to criticize his in-game management.

Jack: A bit confused by the Alek Thomas questions in this chat – does drafting a toolsy high school hitter in the second round and seeing them have significant prospect success a miss by the industry?  Not exactly Albert Pujols here
Keith Law: Yeah, I’m not really sure either. If I had him ranked in the first round, then it’s not like the industry was unaware of him.
Keith Law: Meaning I take a lot of my cues from scouts/execs – not the other way around.

Guest: Would people in red states not benefit just as much from things like child tax credit and universal pre-K? Are there not households with two working parents? Single parents?! So frustrating.
Keith Law: One of the great tricks of dark money efforts has been convincing people that expensive government policies and programs that would help them directly are somehow bad ideas.
Keith Law: There are real arguments for and against those programs. I support universal pre-K, but I also know it’s going to be expensive, and hard to implement fairly across the country (look at public education from K-12 … don’t pretend kids in majority Black areas are getting the same caliber that kids in majority white areas are). We could have a real debate over the pros and cons. That can’t happen because one side just screams “socialism.”

Pat: 30 years ago today- Nevermind, Badmotorfinger, Blood Sugar Sex Magik,& Low End theory were released. that’s the album that killed hair metal, the best album from one of the biggest bands of the last 35 years, Soundgarden’s breakthrough & a seminal hip hop album. Helluva day!
Keith Law: I mean, I have a hard time putting RHCP in the same tier as the other three … but I’ll allow it.

Larry: Alek Thomas has really been raking this year. Is his ceiling 60 hit, 55 power in center? If so, that’s a legit star, no?
Keith Law: I’m a big fan, obviously, but I do not believe he’ll get to 55 power.

Kevin: Would Rickey Henderson be valued different as a prospect now than when he came up 40 years ago?
Keith Law: If anything he’d be valued more highly.

Daniel: Aaron Ashby: starter or reliever or something in between?
Keith Law: Reliever.

Matt: My brother is a huge Trump supporter. He has a son on disability that would qualify for SSDI. He refuses to get it because he doesn’t “want any help from the Government.” Even though his taxes pay for it and it’s provided.
Keith Law: I feel bad for his son.

JP: I’d add, the dark money efforts you cited convince people that government programs help “those kinds” of people, if you know what I mean
Keith Law: You know who pours a lot of cash into those dark-money efforts? The Kendricks – owners of the Diamondbacks. Read Jane Mayer’s Dark Money for more. Randi Kendrick’s name comes up a few times.

Pat D: Tucker Carlson, Charlie Kirk, or Ben Shapiro: who’s the worst of the worst?
Keith Law: Carlson. With the larger platform comes greater responsibility.

Bob: The racist narrative is getting old.
Keith Law: You know what’s really getting old? The racism.

Larry: Talk to me about expensive programs when the Government isn’t Trillions of dollars in debt
Keith Law: If you can explain the actual import of that debt to me, we can talk.
Keith Law: Also, slash the military budget.

Joe 2: Follow up on Robert, assuming his BABIP isn’t sustainable, what is the ceiling?  30/30 with HR upside and middle of the road OBP with continued near gold glove defense?  Or is there potentially more?
Keith Law: That’s a ceiling. I’d bet on a lower OBP than that.

Matt: I mean we spent $8 Trillion on a BS war for 20 years. Conservatives never complain about that though.
Keith Law: No, and if you start to wonder why, just follow that money.

Pat: RE RHCP- There’s a reason I said “biggest” bands, not “best. 🙂 That said, I had a lot of good times in college listening to BSSM.
Keith Law: Fair point. And that album was huge while I was in college. I don’t think it’s aged as well as the others, though.
Keith Law: That’s all for this week – thanks for all of the questions and for reading. Check out that Prospect of the Year post I linked above, and keep an eye out for my Gen Con wrapup today or tomorrow over at Paste. Stay safe and go get vaccinated!

Keith Law: Pain finds me everywhere. Klawchat.

Heather: If you don’t answer my question, I’ll give you a thumbs down.
Keith Law: Dammit, I’m already downvoted before we begin.

Guest: Keith, I am an RN who cannot seem to get through to my family members about the vaccine. What would you suggest is the best way to objectively reason with people who are listening to bad sources, or have we just lost a significant portion of the country to a cult?
Keith Law: It’s some of both, really. I had an argument with an anti-vaxxer recently – in person, of all things, and she wasn’t masked! – who trotted out every dumb anti-vax trope, from microchips to vitamin D to fake side effects. There was no getting through to her. But we are also prone to overweight highly memorable anecdotes, which skews us towards negative ones – if you see a facebook post that claims the vaccine has killed 5000 Americans (they haven’t, and the correct number is probably 0), that’s going to lodge in your mind, and it will take a lot of patient counterarguments to dislodge it. So I’d pick your battles here, find a family member who is hesitant but not refusing, and start slowly with them.

Pat: Glass Tiger? You’ve hit a new low!!
Keith Law: That song has been in my head for three days. I have no idea why.

Guy B: Just curious if you suffered any storm damage in your area of the country?  If so, stay safe.
Keith Law: We did not, but we were fortunate. If you’ve seen images of the Brandywine River overflowing its banks – it reached 22′, which is believed to be a record high – that is less than 4 miles from our house, and multiple roads near us were impassable. We also know someone whose backyard was damaged by the tornado up in Mullica Hill, NJ. We happen to live on slightly higher ground – nothing is THAT high in Delaware – and just far enough from the river here that we did OK. Thank you for asking.

Pj (Jersey City): What is wrong with cody bellinger at the plate? He looks completely lost.
Keith Law: My guess is it’s a lingering effect from the shoulder injury. He’s getting beat on fastballs. You don’t just forget how to hit a fastball.

ben: Hi, I’m the guy who said hello at the setbreak of the Hershey show. How was your Phish experience?
Keith Law: Good! And I’m glad you popped in here, because I have felt bad since then for failing to ask your name. Anyway, the shows were good, and I’m glad we didn’t get “Tweezer” but did get a bunch of the songs I know best from when I was in college. A “YEM” would have been nice, but I’m not complaining. I think I saw you at the second show, which had the encore of Trey solo stuff? That’s not really my cup of tea.

Joe: Nick Yorke’s bat seems to be living up to the Sox expectations. Have you heard any reports on his defense? Ave glove at 2B, below average, but playable or maybe a LF but the bat will probably play?
Keith Law: Heard raves on the bat and maybe 45 defense at second. More than playable as long as he hits like this. Maybe he was just underscouted because of the pandemic – I have still never seen him.

John: Daniel Lynch has been good his second time up. Is this what you expected from your Wilmington looks?
Keith Law: Getting there. I think there’s more improvement ahead of him, especially working more as a 3-4 pitch guy who doesn’t rely too much on the fastball (up to 99, regularly at 97, but plays below that because of lack of life/movement).
Keith Law: The Royals are going to get very interesting very soon. Next year they should have a better rotation, plus Witt, Pratto, maybe MJM.

Bob: How is the business of minor league ball? I’ve been shocked at how sparsely games I’ve attended have been and the crowd shits on MiLB.tv have been similar. Should we be concerned that minor league ball is something that never really comes all the way back?
Keith Law: I’ve noticed the same when I’ve been out at games this year. Nobody is drawing. It’s definitely a concern because that’s their main revenue source – and I don’t want a situation where more MiLB owners feel compelled to sell to MLB.

Bill S.: Keith, (accidentally hit send too soon, I’ll try again).  The Dodgers organization has clearly been successfully through the minors with player development.  However, does their perennial contender status actually hurt them with the final stage of player development – young players in the majors?  
Thinking about Gavin Lux, and to a lesser degree Zack McKinstry this year.  To finish their development young players need to play regularly in the majors.  Yet, the Dodgers divisional race makes it hard for them to roll out players who are not fully baked.  How should they handle Lux, as well as other talented minor leaguers that will eventually come up and need regular time?  Thank you!
Keith Law: It’s a reasonable concern, especially for players who come up at positions where the Dodgers have established regulars – Lux (Seager), Keibert (Smith, plus Cartaya behind). Easier on the pitching side because they can always work in those guys in long relief first. I think the Dodgers are among the top 2-3 organizations for drafting & development, but even they can’t ignore those structural issues and it may mean certain players don’t develop fully unless there’s an injury.

Bob: I think you mentioned some concerns about Michael Harris’ approach earlier in the year. His BB rate has improved some recently, have you heard if he’s made some real improvements there?
Keith Law: It’s not his walk rate – it’s his recognition of offspeed stuff. Be careful not to scout the stat line.

Derek: Has Kevin Made’s second half performance and tools he’s displayed elevated him to the same or near-prospect level of Ed Howard?
Keith Law: I mean, they’ve both been pretty bad. They’re really young & inexperienced for pro ball, so I’m not saying they’re no longer prospects, but I don’t know what you’re seeing here.

JJ: Red Sox failing to sign their high second round pick — is that on Fabian (and his “advisors”)  for way overvaluing himself, or on Chaim Bloom for not having a clear understanding of what it would take to get him to sign before making the selection, thereby wasting the 40th pick in the draft?
Keith Law: That’s 100% on the advisers and the player too. Failure to understand the market, to recognize what a bad year he had, and most of all, to get that it’s a draft – the system sucks for players, but this is the system. He’s going to be a fourth-year junior next year and pretty much has to go top 20 to beat what he would have made from Boston. When you go a whole spring and don’t make adjustments to the way pitchers are getting you out, you’re not a first-rounder.

Deke: So what’s your strategy to avoid feeling despondent about **waves generally at the entire world**? Because my strategies of late are not working.
Keith Law: I’ve avoided reading too much about a lot of the awfulness in the world. Texas turning into a fundamentalist theocracy, which has been coming for years, is beyond depressing, but reading more about that isn’t going to accomplish anything except reminding me of the high cost of low education.

Jackie: It used to be that 300 victories was the benchmark for automatic entry into the HOF for starting pitchers, but no one’s coming close to that number in the foreseeable future.  The 500 HR threshhold went out the door for hitters with Sosa/McGwire/Palmeiro.  Do you think there are any automatic statistical threshholds left?
Keith Law: There might be for some voters, but I don’t think there are any more.

C-Note: Best guess….% chance Bauer pitches in the MLB again?
Keith Law: It sounds like 0%, and I’m fine with that.

Robert: I’ve seen it said that Yoelqui Cespedes has some pitch recognition issues.  Can some of this be attributed to rust (not playing)?  Either way, is this a skill that can develop?
Keith Law: It is a skill that can develop, but it’s rare, and I think this is just what he is right now – a big tools guy without that core skill.

Stevo: I get that MLB pitchers spend all of their time focused on pitching which is why their hitting suffers but why haven’t we seen a pitcher/hitter like Ohtani before?
Keith Law: Ohtani strikes out in a third of his PA. Before the last 2-3 years, the industry would have considered that unacceptable and made him just a pitcher.

Joe Don: Keith, there’s a very loud contingent of Texas fans demanding that the team sign one of the soon-to-be big money free agents, specifically mentioning Trevor Story and Carlos Correa. Given how far the Rangers are from being competitive again, does it make any sense for them to dive head-first into this year’s free-agent pool?
Keith Law: I would say no – not that I’d oppose them doing so, because I don’t think there’s huge downside, but I think they’re a good 2-3 years from contending.

Mitch: Any thoughts on the Wingspan app?
Keith Law: It’s great other than the AI, which I think needs to be stronger. Anything below ‘hard’ is too easy. But it plays great on the iPad and I love how they’ve set up navigation of your tableau.

Josh: I think I remember you saying you wanted to cover Labor negotiations when you joined at the Athletic. That still a plan? I’d like to hear your (balanced) thoughts as this gets messy.
Keith Law: Yes, the pandemic and then some life stuff have all kind of gotten in the way.

Jon V: How does A. Rosario fit in the Guardians long term plan? More reps in CF? Move Ramirez back to 2B and see if he can play 3B?
Keith Law: If they trade Jose Ramirez, which I think is the right move for them at this point, I’d try Rosario at third … but just pick a position and let him hit. He’s finally turning into the guy he was supposed to be and I think it’s no coincidence that it comes 1) outside of Queens and 2) with more consistent playing time.

Guest: I’m 35 and in my lifetime the number of climate disasters has gone from once every 5-10 years to all the time. How can such a large part of the population be so blind to what is right in front of them and greatly impacting their lives?
Keith Law: Two reasons. One is so much of the messaging from the media and one entire political party tells them it’s not real, even though a lot of that is funded by oil & gas. And two is that I think it threatens a lot of folks’ blind faith in a deity who will protect humanity, even from our own mistakes. We’re going to make the planet uninhabitable. I don’t care what God you believe in – nobody is coming to save us from ourselves.

Nick: How concerned are you about Alec Bohm’s season?
Keith Law: Long term, I think he’s still going to be an above-average bat. But you can add him to the pile of Phillies prospects who haven’t developed. The player development changes were overdue. There’s a lot of lost value in players who’ve stalled or regressed after entering that system.

Jason: Austin Riley’s now put together almost an entire great year at the plate. In the past, you were skeptical of him having prolonged success because of his bat speed. And I also thought he couldn’t hit a slider. Is it now time to say we both underestimated him and he’s maybe going to be a borderline all star third baseman going forward?
Keith Law: I think he’s better than that. I’d put the over/under on his WAR next year at 5.5. He is absolutely an all-star.
Keith Law: I have more to come on that topic on Monday. My latest post was supposed to go up today but they’re holding it for next week instead.

Lara: My parents named me after the love theme from “Dr. Zhivago” — no offense to them, but that movie stunk out loud.  Is there a universally praised classic movie that you thought was unwatchable?
Keith Law: I couldn’t finish Unforgiven. I think An American in Paris is a boring plotless mess. I also couldn’t finish Tom Jones despite loving the novel.

David: What chance does CJ Abrams have of being the Padres’ starting shortstop in 2022, with Tatis moved to the outfield permanently?
Keith Law: I feel like that has become much more likely this year, although we do have to see how Abrams comes back from the knee injury.

Romorr: There are a few 2B options for the Orioles.  I’m more hyped for Vavra since he’s a LHB.  Any chance he’s a regular there?
Keith Law: If he’s a regular, that would be the position. I do like him – he’ll get the most out of his tools.

Chipper Jones: Should the Braves organization distance themselves from my crazy statements?
Keith Law: Yes. They should part ways with you, as the Nats did with Bob Boone.

Romorr: Have you noticed the Orioles approach in the minors?  Lots of guys putting up insane walk numbers.
Keith Law: Yes, and I’ve seen some of their prospects – it’s passivity, not selectivity. Maybe it turns into the latter in time, but it’s not the kind of quality AB I’d want to see.

Josh: The Orioles farm seems position player heavy from a birds eye view.  Does the team have any pitchers besides Rodriguez and Hall that can be mid rotation starters?
Keith Law: Maybe there’s someone in the Florida Man League I don’t know about yet, but I would say no, you have the two, and Hall has to get healthy.

Brett: What do you think of Vinnie Pasquantino as a prospect moving forward in the Royals organization?  He is mashing in AA but as an 11th round pick I’m just wondering if he has a big hole or weakness that will be exploited as he moves up further in the org and faces better competition.
Keith Law: Wasn’t he a side character in The Irishman? Does he paint houses? He’s too old even for AA and while his performance is great it’s not that meaningful given his age.

Doreau: The (Devil) Rays have the best record in the AL, yet the last three home games, they’re drawing 8500 a night, and half of them are Red Sox fans.  It’s been almost 30 years; when does MLB pull the plug on the market, and move to San Antonio/Portland/Vegas/Memphis/anywhere where people would show up?
Keith Law: It’s not quite that simple – there’s a lease involved, for one thing, and MLB isn’t letting any team move without a sweetheart stadium deal at the destination.

Guest: Do you think we lose any part of 22 before a collective bargaining agreement is reached ?
Keith Law: If MLB’s most recent offer is any indication of their stance, yes, definitely.

PJ (Jersey City): I read a rumor that the Orioles planned to use underslot money to pay Fabian. Would the Red Sox intentionally take Fabian to throw a wrench in another team’s draft strategy?
Keith Law: No, that would be pretty self-defeating – but they’re also under no obligation to adhere to a deal a player may have struck with another team, either.

Danny: Do you have any early observations/thoughts on Jasson Dominguez’s first season?
Keith Law: He’s exceptionally young for full-season ball. That he’s doing anything at all there is a good sign. But I do think for whatever reason – bad evals, the lost year – he’s not going to race through the minors the way some scouts/execs thought he might.

Chris: why did Deivi roll out of the Gas Station a lemon, and can he be repaired?
Keith Law: They lowered his arm slot. I have NO idea why.

Buck: Garrett Mitchell starting to rise up prospect lists?
Keith Law: No.

Andy: With the current scandal about a non-real football program playing games against high schools, is there any worry that the top high school prospects in baseball will leave their high schools and only do elite teams? I’m reminded of Kelenic who didn’t play high school baseball at all, though most kid’s parents can’t build a baseball complex for them.
Keith Law: That has been rumored for as long as I’ve been in the industry and it still hasn’t happened. In Kelenic’s case, he had a real reason to do so – his HS season was so short that it would have been hard for teams to scout him. You’ll always see a few cold-weather kids just do travel teams, and some will move south (like to IMG). But for most, the path of least resistance is to play for your high school.

Danny: Any notable observations of 2021 draftees in their first couple weeks of games?
Keith Law: That’s all SSS stuff. Just be careful.

Skippy: I asked in spring training and you were still skeptical so I was hoping to see what you think now, is Tyler O’Neill improvement at the plate real? He’s dropped his pull% about 5% while adding it to his center%. Still a high K guy but he’s held it steady at 31% and a 7%BB rate. .343 OBP and Slugging .503, is it real? Or just a talented guy who’s had a good season but still maybe isn’t sustainable longer term?
Keith Law: I’m taking the under on this.

addoeh: Patrick Wisdom is a great story but he strikes out a ton and he’s hit a lot of home runs (25) but not a lot of doubles (8). It just seems like he’ll be the opening day 3B, because the Cubs have a ton of areas to address, but by June that  might look like a mistake. Am I way off base here?
Keith Law: Nope, I would say exactly the same thing.

Leites: Hi Keith!  Thanks for doing these as often as you do.  Any reason for optimism for Bo Naylor’s hit tool?  or Jeter Down’s?
Keith Law: I really think the Guardians erred by bumping Naylor up two levels this year. Still a believer in both players, but they’ve been disappointing nonetheless.

Mac: Termarr Johnson is the best High School hitter since?
Keith Law: Depends on who you ask. One scout told me it’s the best HS hit tool he’s seen in maybe a decade; another said he thinks the way Johnson’s swing works will cause a lot of trouble when he gets to see better pitching.

Sean: Is Casas ready for opening day next year?  I know dalbec has shown some signs of life but it’s hard to see him ever being more than a fringe MLBer.
Keith Law: Dalbec is below replacement level. I don’t get why people keep trying to make him a thing – if he had a few more PA to qualify, he’d have the second-worst K% of any hitter this year. I think Casas is more of a second half callup.

Noah: Also, sorry, this is a second question from me and I don’t want to inundate you with too much, but as a Mets fan I have to ask: shouldn’t job one be to fire Sandy Alderson?  The guy has presided over an organization that has had multiple sexual harassers/abusers, an acting GM with a DUI, and men who have committed domestic violence.  I am really shocked that he has so far skated.
Keith Law: I can’t imagine he is still there by November. Whether he’s fired, resigns, or is just pushed aside, he’s been the one overseeing the mess you described. It’s not even about the team on the field.

Mike: Isn’t it horrific that the worst part of Trump’s “legacy” is his ability to turn SCOTUS into an extension of the Catholic Church that has obliterated the separation of church and state?
Keith Law: Yep. Also, I can’t believe Democrats still don’t get that a huge part of the GOP strategy is to put younger judges on the court so that they hold those seats forever.

Matt: I have a really hard time believing Bauer won’t pitch again. He may be suspended for all of next year and by 2023, I could certainly see some team hoping the public won’t remember what he did and take a chance on him because of the talent. If he was a lesser player, his career would be over, but I have to think some team will think it’s worth whatever PR hit they take.
Keith Law: I don’t think so.
Keith Law: He’s always been a headache. Now he’s a headache who has admitted in court to violent behavior towards women.

Nick: Guessing Greensboro is a pretty good hitters park but So it would it be better for Pirates to move up Nick Gonzalez and Peugero to get a better indication of progress ?
Keith Law: Agreed – and yes, it’s a great hitters park.

Todd Boss: Cade Cavalli now in AAA: based on your scouting reports earlier this seems kind of surprising perhaps?  Or is the promotion evidence of the team making him face guys who can actually hit 100 and force him to work on command?
Keith Law: Yes, I would bet that’s exactly their belief – and I agree with it. He did get hit around in his first AAA outing, and now he gets to make some adjustments.

PJ (Jersey City): Rosario has been good in Cleveland, Gimenez has….not. Is he just a 4A guy at this point? Or is he still too young to give up on?
Keith Law: More than a 4A guy but never that good a prospect for me. Classic case of a team promoting a guy who’d be young for his levels and look good for teams that rely heavily on models that take that into account. But I think he can be a good utility guy or maybe have a long career as a regular SS on teams that don’t have a better option around.

Buck: Aaron Ashby back of rotation type?
Keith Law: Really think he’s a reliever. Delivery and command point there.

Mrs. Webber: “2001” was so pointlessly boring — nothing happens for three excruciating hours.  But I thought Stanley Kubrick was incredibly overrated; he ruined both “The Shining” and “A Clockwork Orange” by straying too far from the books.
Keith Law: I didn’t find 2001 boring, but I also didn’t like how far it strayed from its source book. I still have actually never seen The Shining, though.

Brett: Vinnie Pasquantino is 23 years old in AA FYI
Keith Law: I am aware of that, thank you. He’ll be 24 in a few weeks.

Bort: Do you prefer Frelick over Mitchell?
Keith Law: Frelick has the higher floor, and yes, in this case I would take him over Mitchell.

Max: Is Matt Brash on the verge of surpassing Hancock and Kirby in the Mariners stable of young arms?
Keith Law: No, definitely not. A prospect, yes, but not better than those guys.

Dan: Just scouting the box scores, Bryson Stott has had a really impressive year. Have you heard or seen anything that suggests that his major league outlook has improved?
Keith Law: Actually have heard the opposite from scouts this year.

Mac: Can Andrew Vaughn be anything more than a mistake hitter?
Keith Law: Yes. Isn’t he already more than that?

Danny: Do you think we’ll have more prep pitchers in the 2022 first round because of the purported depth or do you think the industry’s recent aversion pushes a lot of those guys to later rounds?
Keith Law: Most teams don’t want to take that risk; we might see 3-4 HS arms in the first round in a good year, but teams see the opportunity cost and would rather take those guys in the comp/second rounds. Also I think the HS bat group for 2022 is pretty strong.

Stan: Brendan Rodgers. Your thoughts on his progression this year? Future outlook? Thanks!
Keith Law: Two things I am pleased about. He’s playing regularly, finally. And he’s actually showing power on the road, too. I would still guess he’s more likely to hit .300 than hit 30 homers, but this is still good to see. I loved his bat in HS, and have been disappointed that his eye at the plate hasn’t been better at any level in pro ball – which could be a side effect of playing in great hitters’ parks, or a player development issue. But this is a good start and I still think he becomes an All-Star at 2b.

Mike Sixel: Pick one to answer: What happened to Max Kepler? Is there any realistic path to the Twins starting the year with a good MLB rotation next year? thanks!
Keith Law: Aaron Gleeman had a great piece on Kepler’s low batted ball quality leading to consistently low BABIPs.

Matt: To everyone shocked about what’s happening in Texas, elections have consequences and if you were paying attention, you knew this was gonna happen.
Keith Law: Yep. But I also think a lot of Texans are extremely happy with what’s happening there. They want to live in a theocracy as long as the victims are someone else.

Alex In Austin: Is it appropriate to comment on the atrocious details Jonah Keri admitted to this week?
Keith Law: Sure. Fuck that guy. I hope he rots in jail for a long time. But white men tend to get lighter sentences, and I’m not optimistic he’ll get a sentence commensurate with his crime or the possible threat he still poses.

Thomas: It’s been like thirty minutes and you’ve already already suggested that three people (Bauer, Chipper, Alderson), who are accomplished in the game, should be removed from the sport. Who made you the hall monitor? Doesn’t this get tiring?
Keith Law: Bauer is the only one on that list who might be removed from the sport, and if you’re arguing against that, we don’t have a whole lot of common ground here.

Keith Law School: Before I ask my question, I want to say I enjoy everything you write about outside of baseball.  My question though, is do you ever get “outrage fatigue”? I get that there’s a lot wrong in the world, but I feel like it’s always been that way and it always will. Do you ever take a moment or two and just smell roses and feel content and happy at all?
Keith Law: Remember what I wrote earlier about overweighting certain anecdotes? You’re doing that right now. And making a really absurd inference about my overall state of mind from a superficial view of things I write and say online – especially in a forum like this, where people are asking pointed (and very good!) questions.

Trevor: Thoughts on a Mark Appel comeback?
Keith Law: Completely rooting for him. We have more track record of pitchers coming back after years away than hitters doing so. But he’s not even close to average control yet and that’s a big hurdle.

Ned: Who are you higher on long-term: Jake Burger or Gavin Sheets?
Keith Law: Give me Burger.
Keith Law: mmmm …. burger

Andy: Jose Barrero – guy or GUY?
Keith Law: GUY. Top 75 or so.

Guest: Is Drew Rasmussen a legit starting pitcher?
Keith Law: Two time TJ recipient with heavy use in college. Odds are against it.

Good Eye: How do you distinguish between being a hitter being passive and not selective?
Keith Law: I am not being flippant here when I say you have to watch the games.

Jay’s Dad: Tanner Houck seems like a possible future closer.  As a starter?  I’m not feeling it.
Keith Law: He has a great arm, but he doesn’t have a decent weapon for LHB and that’s going to be a problem in the long term. I think he’d be superb as a closer, but I also wouldn’t advocate moving him to relief yet.

Brett: Hey Keith – just FYI, I don’t think you’re an idiot and knew you knew Pasquantino’s age. Whoever that “Brett” is that added to my original question is not me. Weirdo.
Keith Law: I think Brett2 was trying to say Pasquantino wasn’t old for AA, but he is. Also, to be absolutely clear, I’m not saying Pasquantino is not a prospect, but that the extremely impressive production is not evidence that he’s suddenly a good prospect, if that makes sense. I feel like I should be rooting for him as a fellow paesano.

Danny: Luis Medina was great down the stretch in 2019 in A ball, was very good to start this season in high A, struggled for the better part of this season but has been much better as of late in AA. Has your opinion of whether he can stick in the rotation changed much this year?
Keith Law: I feel like you may be mis-stating my opinion on him. I was hoping to get him this week in Bowie but the storm threw everything off here. I’m hoping to get him in Somerset next week, maybe Wednesday if they hold to their current rotation.

Icarus: Do you think that Ha-Seong Kim will become an average hitter?  Should he be playing everyday in AAA instead of riding the bench in MLB?
Keith Law: I don’t think he’s going to hit here, so I’m not sure sending him to AAA will address anything. Maybe he’s just a nice bench player.

Ben: Casey Mize has taken a giant step forward this year… is he our future ace?
Keith Law: I think so – but I’d like to see him use his splitter more.

Josh: Are there any expected long term issues with Jordan Lawlers injury?  The DBacks can’t afford this.
Keith Law: Not that I know of.

Guest: How good is Julio Rodriguez going to be?
Keith Law: He’s going to hit for a ton of power. Maybe a 30 doubles/35 homer guy. RF only and he has some length to his swing that he’ll have to learn to work around.

Matt: Re: Rays. I was at the Reds-Cards game on Wednesday and attendance was ~10K. It’s just a different world right now and the Rays aren’t the only team failing to draw fans.
Keith Law: Also true. Pandemic, economic inequality, and the fact that MLB teams don’t have to draw fans to make money any more.

Matt: Interesting thing about 2001 – the book and the movie were written together by Kubrick and Clarke, so neither is really a “source” for the other.  There’s a terrific book about the entire creative process; I highly recommend it!
Keith Law: I did not know this. Thank you.

Paul: Has Tavares figured things out after spending some time in AAA and not having to work out his struggles in Texas?
Keith Law: For a guy who’s spent about 2/3 of a season in the majors, Taveras hasn’t hit as well in AAA (facing easier pitching) as I would have hoped. It’s more power, but less avg/BABIP.

Josh: I know vaccine mandates for 40 man guys have to be negotiated with the union, but could a team have a mandate for non-40 man players?  Would players have enough leverage to fight it?
Keith Law: Probably a better question for a lawyer.

Noah: I can’t believe some of the people here are suggesting that you talking about shitty people being removed from their jobs (in response to people like me asking some of these questions) makes you some kind of scold.
Keith Law: Me neither.

John: Is there a reason to have hope this country can ever get along?  Seems like a large portion would rather see it burn than learn the meaning of compromise
Keith Law: How do you compromise with people who don’t accept the reality of climate change? Who think vaccines are dangerous (but horse paste isn’t)? Who don’t want basic science taught in schools? Who think women are chattel? Who refuse to see hard evidence of racism in front of them? You can’t compromise with religious fundamentalists. We learned that in Afghanistan. Why is it different here?

Keith Law School: You totally misread my question. I wasn’t trying to be a dick, I was just stating that most of your links are regarding the problems of the world.  It was an innocent question asking if you do take moments to enjoy the good parts of the world.
Keith Law: If you mean the Saturday links, it’s because that’s where the best writing tends to be. But when I find great writing on other topics, I include it too.

Uncle Eddie: Was this strikeout rate from Jarren Duran expected?  I feel like he’s taking too many hitting tips from Bobby Dalbec.
Keith Law: Also his first go-round in the majors. The gap between the minors and MLB seems to be bigger than ever right now.

Matt: Did you see that Bobby Flay and Giada special on the Food Network where they travel to Italy? Man, Italy has shot to the top of my places to visit.
Keith Law: I did not, but I don’t think I’d want to visit Italy with someone who thinks you put heavy cream in pasta alla carbonara. Italy is my favorite place in the world to visit, though. It’s not just the food, although the food is incredible. Italy may be a mess in a lot of ways, but the entire ethos – that work is a means, not an end, and life is to be enjoyed and appreciated – should be our model.

Jesse B: Andy Pages is striking out 30% of the time albeit with big time power. Do you think that’s something he can improve or will he always be a 3 outcome player?
Keith Law: He’s striking out 24% of the time, and with everything else he does, he’s a hell of a prospect.

Paul: I think more than ever the Republicans have done a great job of making issues black and white. So if its vaccines, voting rights, climate change, reproductive rights etc. as long as it “pisses of the libs” it must be good. As long as the issues continue to get drawn that way I don’t see how we ever pull out of this death spiral.
Keith Law: I agree.

Matt: Johnny Bench just tested positive and won’t be at Hall of Fame induction. He was vaccinated and still got sick.
Keith Law: You can get vaccinated and still get sick – but you are substantially less likely to require hospitalization, to require intubation, or to die. And you’re contagious for a shorter period of time. My wife had a breakthrough infection, and she did get sick, with some lingering symptoms even two weeks later, but she didn’t have to go to the hospital, and my daughter and I, who were both vaccinated later than my wife was, never so much as tested positive.

Eric: I’m not anti-vax or pro-ivermectin or any of those things – but don’t you think it is counterproductive that I can’t read a mainstream news report on ivermectin that actually discloses it’s a legitimate safe drug for human use? Not recommended for covid, but it has legitimate uses. Instead, 99% of the coverage would leave the reader believing it’s only used for farm animals.
Keith Law: I’m wondering what the benefit of including that point would be. It does have legitimate uses for certain worm parasites in the GI tract, although, unfortunately, it doesn’t work against guinea worm disease. But in an article on IVM and COVID, that seems like it’s not germane.

Keith: will Colas immediately be the White Sox top prospect and what do you think his ETA and impact might be on the big league club?
Keith Law: No, and I’d really like to see him face some actual pitching first.

Stephen: Is it worth Witt Jr. and/or Pratto getting some time in the majors this month?
Keith Law: I think so. I know the business side would say no, but I’d love to see those guys get 50-60 AB and a month in the MLB clubhouse.

Dr. Bob: RE: Passivity vs. selectivity. I could tell the difference by watching like you can, but player’s comments are sometimes telling. Kolten Wong said that STL wanted him to take more pitches. He intimated that he became more passive as a result. Now he’s being more aggressive and it’s working for him.
Keith Law: Some guys just shouldn’t hit like that. Some guys shouldn’t try to change their swings to hit for more loft. There is no one size fits all approach to hitting. I fall into that trap sometimes too, downgrading players for aspects of their swings that might not work for the majority of players but might work for them.

Brett: Is it entirely plausible that Kristian Robinson never plays another game for MLB?
Keith Law: I think that scenario is unlikely, but sure, not entirely impossible. It would be a shame because this seems to be a clear case of mental illness.

Guy B: Also the problem with the folks sucking up all the ivermectin is that they are making it harder for people who actually need the product, it’s pretty simple really.
Keith Law: Yep. And these ding-dongs are now taking up space in emergency rooms because IVM can cause terrible side effects when taken in non-therapeutic doses.

Corey: This season has demonstrated a significant difference between AAA and MLB pitching ad we’ve seen most prospects struggle when they come up. That being said, what to make of Franchy Cordero ?  He’s an MVP in Worcester but awful in Boston.  Is he a Wily Mo Pena-esque AAAA guy or does he figure it out eventually ?
Keith Law: I think he’s a 4A guy.

Paul: When you go to concerts etc. are you masking up? Are you taking any Covid precautions? ie  Are you only going to shows that require proof of vax or negative test?
Keith Law: Haven’t been to an indoor concert but the plan/hope is exactly that – we’ll mask, of course, but stick to shows that require those things. Philly venues can do so – my daughter and I went to a restaurant that asked to see our vax cards last week – but not all have chosen to. I know Johnny Brenda’s is asking for proof of vax.

John: Fair point on compromise, and agree on all of those issues as not really offering opportunity.  However, even areas where there is need (infrastructure, health care) there is zero compromise for any improvement.  I’m not saying to compromise principles but there should be reasonable areas of common ground to build better roads, or is that all lost as well?
Keith Law: That is a better question for someone who covers the swamp, really.

Rick: Do you still think Gore can be an ace down the road or are the struggles he’s had just too much to fix to get to that level?
Keith Law: Ace upside, positive signs in his return, long way between AZL success and the majors. Stuff is still top of the line.

Wil: Wanted to ask something I don’t know if you’ve been asked lately and everyone should be asked – How are you doing?
Keith Law: I’ll end with this, which Wil asked at the top of the chat. All things considered, we’re good. The last few weeks weren’t fun, but we’re fortunate, and we recognize it. We’re just trying to be prudent about the choices we make. Things are good here, and I hope that most of you can say the same, if not right now then very soon.
Keith Law: Thank you all for reading and for your patience with my relative absence the last few weeks. I do have a column due up on the Athletic on Monday, and should be able to get to games & to write more regularly this month. Stay safe this weekend, everyone – not only because of the pandemic, but because Labor Day is such a heavy travel weekend. Thanks again.