My latest post for Insiders breaks down the Texas/Atlanta swap and the two Toronto trades from earlier this week. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter!

Klaw: See I’m not insane – in fact I’m kind of rational. Klawchat.

FG: Thoughts on chance adams? baseball america sees him as a number 2 down the line. I would think that would get him on some top 100 lists. whats your take? thanks klaw
Klaw: I haven’t seen him yet but reports I have gotten would put him way below that, with questions over whether he’s a starter because he’s barely 6 foot and isn’t getting fastball plane.

CR: Favorite class at Harvard
Klaw: Comedy and the Novel, taught by Donald Fanger. Reading list included The Master & Margarita, Jacques the Fatalist, If on a winter’s night a traveler…, The Charterhouse of Parma, Don Quixote, Huck Finn, Joseph Andrews, and Dead Souls. I asked Prof. Fanger six or seven years later if he had other suggestions in that vein, and he said if the class were a week or two longer he would have assigned At Swim-Two-Birds, which is also on my top 100 and is one of the earliest and best examples of metafiction in literature.

David: How would you compare Bogaerts’ bat and Polanco’s bat at this point? Are they fairly similar with XB having more positional value?
Klaw: I think Polanco’s going to end up with more power in the long run but Bogaerts is the more valuable player due to positional and defensive value.

Chris: Any thoughts on Tomas Nido? Seems Josh Thole-ish.
Klaw: Better defender than Thole ever was.

Patrick: One of DFW radio host was critizing Yu Darvish for being selfish by “striking out too many batters” and not pitching to contact, thus increasing his pitch count. He’s arguing that if he’s good enough to strike out batters, he should be able to get weak grounders whenever he wants. I thought that it was an absurd statement. Thoughts?
Klaw: I’ve said for a while now that there’s a chunk of the DFW media that is positively atavistic in its view of baseball and athletes in general. It’s embarrassing. Your host there doesn’t understand the first thing about the sport and shouldn’t be commenting on it.

Dale: Would you pay Reddick 4 year / $56 million for Josh Reddick. Reportedly that’s the ask and A’s countered 3 yr / $39 million. Cheers.
Klaw: I wouldn’t but i bet he’ll get it in free agency. The FA class this winter sucks and good Reddick is worth more than that.

Dave: I’m a Cubs fan, and I’m bothered by the Chapman trade. When Theo and Tom say they believe Chapman is a changed man, I believe that they believe it. Aroldis probably believes it himself. I don’t think anyone’s lying. But I wonder how differently that conversation might have gone if there’d been some women in the room. We hear about baseball’s struggles with racial diversity in management, but we don’t hear much about gender. Maybe this is willfully naive, but I’d feel better about this whole thing if it were a woman saying she was comfortable with the odds of Chapman re-offending.
Klaw: I think two things on this. One, if someone hits or throttles or otherwise abuses his wife or girlfriend and tells you six months later he’s a changed man, he’s full of shit. Two, there are no women in the room in baseball, and while you can certainly have men in the room who are thoughtful about issues like domestic violence or sexual assault, having a woman in the conversation would certainly change its tenor. I also wonder how often teams looking at acquiring a player like Chapman or Reyes talk to real subject-matter experts about the chances of rehabilitation vs recidivism.

Davis: Buster Olney has been pretty vocal recently about the Pirates shopping Melancon. While they are fighting for a wild card spot, it’s seems like one of those moves that really wouldn’t have much of an impact on that pursuit, and could land them a decent prospect. Would you deal him if you’re Neal Huntington, especially with how inflated the closer market is?
Klaw: He asked me about this on his podcast this morning and I agreed. Melancon’s a FA anyway and I doubt the Pirates intend to re-sign him. Trading him will have virtually no impact on their odds of winning a wild card spot, and with Nicasio pitching fairly well in relief you could argue they have a surplus.

Bret: Hey Keith – just curious who you would have as the Jays #1 prospect at the moment? Seems like there are a few names in that conversation (Reid-Foley, Urena, Alford, Greene)
Klaw: Alford, still.

Ron: Molitor is out of touch writing a line up and his love of bunting and playing gritty, hard nose players that aren’t any good(D. Santana). Last night down by 2 with 2 on in the 8th and no outs, he has their hottest hitter this year (Nunez) bunt and it didn’t turn out(surprise, surprise). The Pohlads scared off all potential GM candidates by saying Molitor is the manager in 2017. Why did they do that? I don’t think he will work with the young ones. Will you please take the job, Keith? They need a complete house cleaning, don’t you think? Thanks!!!
Klaw: I don’t understand why owners do this with their managers. The GM should have full autonomy to hire the manager he thinks is right for the job – and in Molitor’s case and in Counsell’s case in Milwaukee the evidence we have before us said that those guys were NOT right for the job. If I were GM there, I’d hire a manager who has actually managed somewhere before in pro ball. Novel concept, I know, but I’m way out the box like that.

Anonymous: Is John Coppolella in the top 5 GMs in baseball? Care to rank top 5?
Klaw: No, I do not care to rank the top any number of GMs.

Mike: Thoughts on Dylan Bundy’s return to the rotation? He seems to be showing good velo, three pitches and is generating lots of swinging strikes.
Klaw: Velo’s good. Curveball isn’t close to what it was. Arm swing looks more restricted than it did way back in HS. I’m just hoping he stays healthy – I think they’re asking a lot of a guy who hasn’t had a full season since 2012.

Ben: Keith, any thoughts on how MLB is handling the Jung Ho Kang Rape allegation?
Klaw: I don’t know anything about how they’re handling it – do you? We’ll see what comes out of it and how the league and team react.

Dave in Irvine: Royce Lewis. Is he probably drafted in the top half of the first round pick next June, the lower half of first round pick next June, or is going to end up at UC Irvine due to his advisor (Boras) thinking he could go higher in the draft in three years?
Klaw: I think he’s a first rounder right now, but wouldn’t get more specific than that. Remember Daz Cameron was a first-rounder, not a top 10 talent, but ended up with top ten money as a later pick.

Daniel Wexler: Keith, a prominent MLB pitcher voiced being pretty salty about being left off of prospect lists and critical analysis as a HS player/minor leaguer. What is your take on this? Have current/ex-players ever contacted you in regard to their displeasure with things you have said/written?
Klaw: A few, but the majority understand that what I do is not that dissimilar to what scouts do, and that a ranking or an evaluation is inherently impersonal. The players who do speak up about it tend to be immature, failing to understand that they are being evaluated all the time by lots of people they never see.

JB: A colleague of yours at ESPN wrote an article this week about each team’s “most untouchable players.” And while he limited it to minor league players for contending teams, he listed Bickford as the Giants untouchable player. Sorry for the roundabout way of asking, but does Bickford have any real trade value to headline a deal for a mid-level starter or corner outfielder for the Giants? Between the velocity drop and his issues in college, I don’t see him being very highly sought after
Klaw: That’s just wrong. I know from other teams that Bickford’s available right now.

JD: Have you gotten a chance to read Lila yet? Obama’s speech last night reminded me of Marilynne Robinson, with its quiet, homegrown patriotism and faith in humanity — I see why he has such an affinity for her. And Lila may be the best of the trilogy, IMO — looking forward to your review.
Klaw: I did and didn’t like it – worst of the trilogy IMO. Robinson’s prose is such a joy but she lost that in Lila’s voice.

Patrick: Keith, finding my balance with a Brewers question. Moving two former SP’s down to AA from Colorado Springs–smart move to help them mentally? Or false reinforcement for facing lower-quality hitters than they were facing in the bigs?
Klaw: Smart move. I said on Twitter to Tom Haudricourt that I bet they’ll reconsider sending top pitching prospects to Colorado Springs going forward.

Brad: Gleyber, Mateo, Judge, McKinney, Severino for Sale. Who says no?
Klaw: I hate these fake trade proposals in general, but why on earth would the Yankees do that?

Marco: Velocity is definitely an indicator of success for pitchers, however….while guys are running it up there 95-100, it seems the best guys, the ones who last a long time and provide a steady level of excellence, sit around 90-93 and ramp it up when they need it. Of course, they also have great command of many different pitches. Shouldn’t that tell teams that big strong oxes are great, but they need to spend more time evaluating the pitchability of guys, since there is already a glut of middle relievers with great arms, but not enough starters who can actually pitch?
Klaw: I think the missing variable in your statement is that guys who throw 95-100 can be extremely effective in short periods of time. They don’t last, but while they’re around, they tend to be really good. So if you’re focused on winning now, you don’t mind investing in assets like that. If you’re thinking long-term, then yes, maybe look at guys who aren’t blowing gas all the time, or who aren’t pitching at 100% effort, because it seems more and more like the hardest throwers are at the highest risk of injury.

Daniek: I saw your recent chat comments on Chris Shaw after he was promoted to Richmond. Want to know if you also paid much attention to Hinojosa and/or Duggar – two underperforming college players who’ve had early success and were promoted at the same time. Anything stand out or catch your eye?
Klaw: Not a big believer in any of those three.

Adam: So from what I gather…..Demerritte has Joey Gallo’s swing and miss without his power?
Klaw: No one has Gallo’s power. Demeritte has probably 70 power, and he can play second which Gallo could not.

Kurts: In a top 200 prospect list, off the top of your, about where would Szapucki rank?
Klaw: He’s probably going to end up on the top 100 this winter although I haven’t done any real work beyond the top 50 or so yet.

Alan: Can Dustin Peterson be an every day LF for Atlanta? He’s still just 21, hitting .293/.352/.442 at Double A in a pitcher’s league.
Klaw: I think he can hit. I don’t know if he’ll have quite enough power for everyday in LF but he’s good enough to give him that opportunity. Maybe he’s a high-doubles 15 HR guy who has a high enough OBP to make it all add up to regular status.

Jack: Has Lance McCullers’ dominance of late made you change your mind about the possibilities of him as a starter?
Klaw: No because it was never about his stuff, ever. People who think that was my concern on him either never read what I said or just made shit up.

Doug: Since he wasn’t worth a mention in you’re Upton trade write-up, did Padres pay too much of Uptons contract for Hansel?
Klaw: I thought so. Hansel’s 89-95, below average secondary stuff, good delivery, looks like a starter.

Drew: With Corey Ray’s recent struggles in Hi-A, how do you rank Ray, Senzel, Collins, and Groome for fantasy purposes?
Klaw: Probably right in that order top to bottom. Ray and Collins went right to high-A which is pretty unusual for college guys right out of the draft.

Jesse B: Strahm, Russell, and Blewett. Who looks the best? Who’s got the most upside?
Klaw: Strahm looks the best. I’ve heard Russell’s looked awful and Blewett not very good.

Nick L: Does Oscar De La Cruz have TOR upside? Your protege Eric L over at Fangraphs says future reliever, while some others have talked about a possible ace.
Klaw: Definitely not possible ace. Some starter potential. I’m more in line with Eric than the wishcasters who think he’s a top of the rotation guy.

Scherzer’s Blue Eye: Can you please inform people why don’t trade the #1/#2 prospect in all of baseball for a closer? Thank you, kind sir.
Klaw: If the Nats trade Giolito for a reliever when they already have a reliever of that caliber in Reynaldo Lopez they have lost their damn minds.

Ryan: How likely is it that Atlanta’s rebuild ends in disappointment, seeing that their #1 prospect has a limited ceiling, and all of the pitching prospects have some questions regarding either health or walk rates?
Klaw: Do you complain about the air pressure on a cloudless 78 degree day? Jeez.

Mike: Is Jahmai Jones MLB regular good, or are Angels fans just clinging to any prospect who might be even MLB worthy as a reserve?
Klaw: More than that. Potential star.

Josh in Vt.: Thank you for not sticking to baseball! Your recommendation of “Undeniable” is one everyone living in the real world should follow. Nye doing his own narration of the audiobook adds his incredible passion to the words.
Klaw: You’re welcome and I totally agree. Listening to Dan Barber’s The Third Plate now, also narrated by the author, which is definitely to the good.

Tom: Why is Jose Berrios still in AAA? Duffey was destroyed by Atlanta last night while Berrios had another QS in AAA.
Klaw: I don’t know. Their handling of Berrios has been baffling. Their handling of Buxton has been baffling. They are baffling.

Lyle: In 2015 under JackZ the Mariners farm system had a universally terrible year both in terms of team performances and individual performances (with maybe a couple exceptions). In 2016 under JerryD, the Mariners farm system is putting out playoff teams at virtually every level with a few pretty solid individual performances as well. So my question: how much of this attributable to the change in administration (including the difference in philosophy of promotion) and how much is attributable to just the randomness of a new year? (Feel free to expand as necessary.)
Klaw: The farm system isn’t that much better or even different than last year so I’d say it’s mostly randomness.

Tyler: Have you started The Night Of? I really like it so far through 3 epiosdes.
Klaw: Yep, I think it’s outstanding. I could do without the eczema storyline because it seems irrelevant and frankly doesn’t play well as humor. (I know it’s adapted from a UK series and the storyline was in the original.)

Mike Sixel: Would you rather have Kyle Gibson or Shelby Miller going forward?
Klaw: Miller. I’d absolutely see if the Dbacks would sell low on him now, try to reestablish his 2015 delivery, and recapture his value.

Anonymous: Hey Keith. I know you listed a while back an acronym to deal with anxiety/depression. (Involving a routine and medication if I remember correctly.) Would you mind sharing that again? Thanks.
Klaw: EMMET: Exercise, Meditation, Medication, Eating, Therapy. That’s not in order – therapy might be the most important of the five – but TEMEM doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Judlow: Thoughts on story Eireann Dolan posted re: brother? For dad like me of young autistic son, emotional roller coaster.
Klaw: I retweeted it because it was a great story, well written, and highly relevant with the Republican candidate for President finding it appropriate to mock a disabled person.

TJ: Am I the only person who loves seeing someone not on the top prospect lists make it and become an outstanding MLB player? Not because I like to see the experts look bad, but because it shows to other players not on those lists that it can be done…
Klaw: You’re not the only one. Seeing a low draft pick or Latin kid who signed for peanuts become a star is one of the joys of this business. You’re watching some 8-year-old’s backyard dream come true.

Drew: What kind of ceiling do you put on Delvin Perez?
Klaw: If the makeup improves he’s a potential All-Star. Defense, speed, we think some power, maybe not much OBP.

Raphael: How exactly did Mookie Betts end up being a fifth rounder? What’s changed for him since he was drafted?
Klaw: Multi-sport guy without a ton of baseball experience or present skills at the time of the draft. Great job by Red Sox scout Danny Watkins to know the kid well enough to say he’d learn quickly once he committed to baseball full-time.

addoeh: Your thoughts on Tim Kaine? He seems smart, reasonable, experienced, without any big controversy. Should he be at the top of the ticket?
Klaw: I just wondered how anyone smart, reasonable, experienced, and without any big controversy has lasted this long in politics.

Carl: Austin Riley has improved in recent months since the bad start. When you’re a guy that doesn’t have much bat speed, what are some ways to fix that? It can’t just a death sentence to a career, right?
Klaw: Don’t see a lot of guys with slider bat speed in the big leagues. I’d say you’re hoping that I’m wrong about him, not that his bat speed will suddenly improve.

Tom: Christin Stewart seems ready for a new challenge, any reason he’s still in A+?
Klaw: I’m not sure as most of the other high 2015 draft picks from college are in AA or higher already.

John: Do you think we could see Randy Arozarena in top 100 in near future (next preseason)?
Klaw: Next year? No.

Brandon: Is Brevard a better placement for Erceg? SSS and all, but he commented that he didn’t feel challenged in rookie ball.
Klaw: Yes, I think so. College product. Yes, NAIA, but still, college product, too old for rookie ball.

Ben: Saw you dig the new Jeff Beck tune. Who are some of your favorite guitar players?
Klaw: I’m all over the place. Beck, Page, Vai, Hendrix, and of course Prince.

Zac: Manuel Margot. Do you see him growing in to some home run power? I know i’m scouting the stats, but he only has 4 HR in the hitter friendly PCL (albeit with 10 triples which is amazing).
Klaw: No, not particularly, but I don’t think he’ll need HR to be valuable.

Andrew: Are you still as high on Brendan Rodgers as you were at the beginning of the season? Seems as though he has been struggling for Asheville as of late.
Klaw: He hasn’t played as well since the hamstring injury. I don’t think his outlook has changed.

Tony H: I know you said you saw Lynchburg recently. I’m curious what you thought of Yu-Cheng Chang and Francisco Mejia
Klaw: Mejia didn’t play; he was sick. Chang was a little disappointing at the plate.

Drew: Do you see Alec Mills’ stuff playing up in relief, or is he still on track to be a solid #4 starter?
Klaw: I didn’t have him on track to be a 4.

Pat: What is your preferred exercise for both keeping depression at bay, and generally staying in shape?
Klaw: Anything works for the brain. You just need to exercise to produce more endorphins and norepinephrine, both of which may improve mood.

Peet: What happened with Szapucky that he went from 149th pick to possible top-100 prospect in a year?
Klaw: Pitchers, dude.

bo: If Hillary Clinton were a man, she’d be up 20 points on The Donald right now, no?
Klaw: Probably. She’s not exactly problem-free as a candidate, though. She’s just running against the favorite of the Aryan Nations crowd.

Tom: As someone who works in the area of criminal law, the statistics (which I sadly don’t have at my disposal) are pretty clear that the recidivism rate for someone who commits a violent crime of the sort that Aroldis Chapman did and then is subsequently not punished are very high.
Klaw: Right, and my understanding from psychology research is that it’s even worse for sexual assault, which may be the result of a paraphilia for violence or coercion. But hey, he throws hard, so let him play!

Nick: Alex Reyes would be devastating in the bullpen right now correct? What is the holdup, the wildcard race will likely come down to 1 or 2 games
Klaw: Sounds like they think they might need him to start. I worry about the third pitch with him but his FB/CH might just be so good he can turn a lineup over twice anyway.

Sam: If Gary gains momentum and gets into the debates, would you consider voting for him? Frankly, I think Hillary wins no matter what, but I personally will vote Gary because I’m somewhat sick of the two party system and its movements towards the extremes
Klaw: I would have gladly voted Johnson in most years, but I’m specifically voting against Trump this year, which means voting HRC, even though in my state it’s essentially meaningless. I’ve never been one to claim that the country was in great peril if so-and-so didn’t win – we survived 8 years of Bush and 8 years of Obama and whatever you think of them the two couldn’t be more different – but this time I think the possibility of disaster (if Trump wins) is very real. And I won’t sit idly by and watch it happen without doing whatever little I can.

John: Can the Phillies get a prospect that will have more value than the potential draft pick they’d get for not trading Hellickson? Thanks.
Klaw: I would be afraid he’d take the QO. He’s not getting $16 million a year in free agency.

sean: O’s got anyone in their system that can help this year? Looking pretty thin (thanks Obama!).
Klaw: Don’t think so. Love Sisco, not a position where they need the help. Everyone else of note is farther away.

John: Is Blake Rutherford a GUY or just a guy?
Klaw: He’s a GUY.

Bob: I’m a guitar player who does not have a fraction of Prince’s talent, but I don’t think he’s the guitar player some give him credit for. He is flashy and has incredible speed but his solos are a bunch of intense bursts searching in vain for a cohesive musicality.
Klaw: Oh, I think he could do things with the instrument others couldn’t. The outro to “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” isn’t a function of technical virtuosity, but it’s more compelling than any of the shredding he did on other tracks.

Theo: Isn’t it likely that Gleyber is the #1 prospect in baseball soon? Seems like a steal for the Yankees even without the filler prospects.
Klaw: Likely? No.

Pete: How does Michael Fulmer compare to the up and coming prospects (Glasnow, Giolito, Urias) is his ceiling high enough to be considered as valuable?
Klaw: I’m a big Fulmer fan and he’s probably worth more right now than those three because he’s had 100 successful big-league innings, but bear in mind the .252 BABIP is probably not predictive.

Dave: Cleveland is looking at the Twins Nunez. Would Mike Clevinger be enough for him? Probably a low floor but should be a starter with 6 years of control. Twins need pitching and we won’t miss him.
Klaw: All-Star Eduardo Nunez! … who is hitting .269/.295/.394 since june 1st, because he’s not very good and my word he cannot play shortstop. Take whatever you can get.

Ian: It’s horrible but why can’t Theo simply say that he got Chapman b/c if the Cubs win the World Series it will put him in the HOF and immortalize him among front office names. It’s likely that Chapman can stay on the straight and narrow for a few more months and then he is someone else’s problem.
Klaw: We need a sea change in how executives and managers discuss players with DV incidents behind them. Even well-intentioned folks seem to struggle with how to talk about the players and the accusations. I’d much rather see people be more forthright: “We’re aware of the accusations that Aroldis Chapman hit his girlfriend and fired a gun into his garage wall. We as an organization do not condone this behavior in any fashion and we have made it clear to Aroldis that we will have zero tolerance for it while he is playing for us. We believe he can help us win a World Series, which is our goal here in Chicago and the main interest of all of our fans, but want to be clear that this in no way condones what Aroldis did. We will be working with such-and-such shelter for victims of domestic abuse, both financially and with our time, to reinforce our commitment to these ideals.” Maybe that’s not ideal but I think it stops dancing around the subject.

Frank: When do we shift our expectations for what Buxton will be? Which isn’t a way of saying we should now, but rather, how many more seasons like this before we settle on “rich man’s Rajai Davis”; 2? 3?
Klaw: I’d like to see him get an opportunity to play in another regime, in Minnesota or elsewhere, before I walk away from the immense natural talent here.

Marcus: So is Demeritte now the Braves’ best chance at producing a legit power bat? And can he challenge Albies for the 2B job?
Klaw: Albies is a much better prospect and is closer to the majors, but if he doesn’t work out for whatever reason, at least now there’s someone behind him with potential. And if Demeritte can cut his K rate to maybe 25% (a LONG way from where he is now), his bat would play anywhere.

Scott: Do you think there has been improvement in curbing antiobiotic use for meat production, or is it still as bad as its always been?
Klaw: I think we’re seeing improvement in the west but not globally.

Cole: Do you think there will be a time where we go back to seeing relievers throwing more than 100 innings a season? Even pushing upwards of 120-130 innnings? or is that just overworking them at that point?
Klaw: It’s not overworking them if they’re going 2-3 innings an outing and getting 2-3 days of rest between. But that’s a different pitching paradigm than the one under which we’re operating now.

X: Most of the best guitar players probably play death metal which none of us really want to listen to.
Klaw: I listen to quite a bit of it; those guitar players might be the fastest, but that’s not always the best.

Johnny: I’ve seen you refer to Richard Russo books in other reviews, but I don’t recall you reviewing his books. Which are your favorites?
Klaw: I’ve reviewed them all on the dish. Empire Falls, Straight Man, Nobody’s Fool, and The Risk Pool are all wonderful. I haven’t read Everybody’s Fool yet.

Nick: any thoughts on Brady McConnell at the UA game?
Klaw: Didn’t like his swing, late trigger. Flew out to right and then struck out on a fastball up.

Nick: Rangers have interest in Velasquez – is there any incentive for the Phillies to trade him other than being blown away by an offer?
Klaw: Yes, because he has literally no history of staying healthy.

Ken T: Late to the chat today and I just saw your comment about the best guitar players. Your list was good, but how could you leave off Eric Clapton? I’ve heard him in concert and left knowing I could just listen to him play for hours on end.
Klaw: I’ve just never particularly liked his output post-Cream.

Marshall: Daniel Palka…any chance of being even a solid starting big leaguer, or just a 4-A type of player?
Klaw: I think he’s an up and down guy or bench player.

George: Derek Hill has been healthy and has put together a season that has been a huge improvement over the previous two. Is he figuring out how to hit at the professional level, or is his improvement more due to being healthy? Also, can we expect him to advance rather quickly toward Detroit if he continues to hit, since his glove is already big league quality?
Klaw: He hasn’t, though; his season looks a lot like 2015’s, and after a little streak of success in June he’s reverted to not getting on base and of course isn’t showing power. I don’t know that he’s made any progress at all this year, and that’s unfortunate because I like his swing a lot and as you said he’s a legit CF.

sean: Remember when Adam Eaton stabbed himself in the stomach opening a copy of Happy Gilmore? Is that, or Glenallen Hill falling down the stairs running away from dream spiders, the weirdest baseball player injury?
Klaw: Didn’t Rich Gossage throw out his back sneezing? And I remember something about Kevin Appier having a weird reason for the fall that injured his shoulder.

Nick: Is the price being paid for relievers a market inefficiency? It seems fairly easy to create good relievers with failed starters and then flip them 2-3 years later for good prospects?
Klaw: I guess the counterargument would be that teams like the Cubs or Nats need those guys NOW and can’t wait the 2-3 years. You pay the farmer in June for the strawberries he planted in April.

Marshall: Debates about “best guitar” player are always entirely subjective. Is anyone going to claim that Yngwie Malmsteen is the best guitar player ever because he could play really fast and technically perfect?
Klaw: George Lynch is kind of pissed you went Yngwie instead of him.

Mike: Jorge Mateo ends up at short or 2nd base?
Klaw: I think the bigger question is how much he’ll hit.

Jon: Any chance we see Jorge Alfaro in the majors this year?
Klaw: I think so since he’s already on the 40-man.

Ron: How much do you think Brunansky and/or Molitor have screwed up Sano and Buxton at the plate. Just leave them alone to get comfortable in their own way. It looks like Sano has regressed this year. Seems like all their rookies have a better track record in the minors and then lose it at the Major league level. Is it the coaching at the MLB level? I hope they leave Kepler alone and just let him develop. Mauers toast.
Klaw: Yes, I think it’s the coaching staff, which is yet another reason I don’t like the owner saying Molitor etc were staying. If the new GM walks in and says, hey, these guys are actively hurting our organization by mishandling players, then you freaking fire them.

Derek: Any thoughts about why Giolito didn’t miss many bats in his 11 inning MLB stint?
Klaw: It’s 11 innings.

Jon: I am thinking about making Thanksgiving dinner for my extended family this year. How difficult (and how many days of prep) is it to pull off the entire meal?
Klaw: I’ve done this many times. I usually start stuff on Monday, do the majority of the prep and cooking Wednesday, and set it up so that I’m not doing much on Thursday other than the final cooking and reheating. Then I take a nap.

Steve: 30 year old investing for retirement. Best best is just indexing funds with a mix between a US Stock market tracking, Int’l market tracking, and a broad bond fund? Weighted more toward the equity funds for now and shifting over time towards bond fund?
Klaw: I’ve always gone with index funds because that’s what all the research says to do. Paying anyone to pick stocks or funds for you is just money down the toilet because no one seems to be able to beat the market consistently. (I suppose if you’re very wealthy and have access to private equity investments or arbitrageurs that may not be true.)

Miguel: I respect your stance on DV. Do you think that it precludes you from realistically worjking in a front office again? You are essentially enforcing a lifetime ban for an accusation, no less a conviction.
Klaw: One, I don’t care if it precludes me from anything. Two, I’m not enforcing a “ban” by saying I wouldn’t sign such a player. I don’t smoke; that isn’t enforcing a ban on tobacco.

Cole: Do you think AJ Reed has quick enough hands to be successful at the MLB level?
Klaw: It’s a concern. I think he can do enough else that it won’t matter, but it is his one real weakness at the plate.

JDinHtown: Francis Martes, still a potential #2 starter or has his up and down year dropped him in your estimation. Still pretty young for AA.
Klaw: Don’t think it’s changed the evaluation other than that he might be further away from MLB value than I thought.

sean: What about that guy that made his guitar talk? His guitar SPOKE ENGLISH!!!
Klaw: wasn’t that Steve Vai?

Joe: Remember when you said Trevor Bauer would be better than Gerrit Cole? You stink. Oh wait, that was just everyone scouting the UCLA stats, my bad.
Klaw: People got angry over that one.

Danny: People vote based on emotion and their money. If wages don’t jump significantly over the next few months and ISIS keeps attacking people, we are going to have President Trump…..meaning, we are going to have President Trump, and the only people to blame for it are Obama and Hillary who messed up the middle east so much that Trump could create that fear among the masses.
Klaw: I agree with the first half of your statement, but US policy in the Middle East has been bad for probably 40-plus years now. And the invasion of Iraq in particular has been a giant fiasco for us across the board, financially and politically, and probably contributed to our unwillingness to act quickly in Syria. I’m nowhere close to an expert on this stuff but pinning our Middle East failures on the last 8 years seems awfully shortsighted.

Kyle: Any chance Heyward becomes a defensive replacement in Sept / Oct if he can’t manage to show some signs of life at the plate? If you have him and Montero / Ross + a pitcher in the lineup that’s three free outs.
Klaw: I don’t know if they’d do it but if he can’t start to drive the ball at all they should consider it.

Zapp: Would you say Profar is fully back? Obviously he missed two years of development, but did all the tools survive the injuries?
Klaw: The bat is certainly still there, although playing inconsistently isn’t helping.

Darryl: Is Bruce still on the Reds come next Tuesday?
Klaw: I can’t imagine he is. That would be a failure.

Johnny: If Tim Raines gets into the Hall next year, who is the #1 injustice among those not in the HOF?
Klaw: Lou Whitaker. Raines had better get in though.

Jason: Do you get extra enjoyment when you are more right about a prospect then any of your fellow prospect writers?
Klaw: Nah, guys like Callis and Mayo and Longenhagen are my friends and we all know we’ll get some guys right and some guys wrong.

Fito: Does Isan Diaz have all star potential?
Klaw: Best case scenario, sure. Not his most likely outcome.

Dallas Comegys: Apologies. It’s only 26 games and he’s older than the competition but Cody Thomas has 8d, 2t, 10hr plus at BP there is video of him beating out a routine GB to SS. Have you heard anything new about him since this performance. The lack of prior playing experience makes me ask the question despite the caveats
Klaw: He’s 21 in short season. Ignore it.

Alex: What are your thoughts on Ronald Guzman-could he be something special? Seems to be having a breakout year
Klaw: He is, now that he’s healthy, and apparently he’s developed some real patience at the plate too. Good chance for an everyday 1b, maybe a very good one.

Anonymous: What is your scouting report on Thomas Szapucki?
Klaw: He’s 92-96 with a plus curveball. I’m glad they started him off slowly but if he keeps missing bats like this they’ll have to move him up to challenge him and develop his command.

YMan: Have you watched Dylan Cease pitch in person this year? Reports are he’s lighting up the radar gun, but without much control. Do you have a sense on his realistic potential now that he’s pitching again?
Klaw: I haven’t in part because he’s hurt again.

Jason: Should I be down on Glasnow after his first 2 starts?
Klaw: You shouldn’t be down on any prospect after two starts, because it’s two starts.

Klaw: That’s all for this week – thank you as always for all of your questions and for reading. I’ll be in Bristol on Monday for the trade deadline TV special. There may not be a chat next week but if there is I’ll post it on Twitter and Facebook. Thanks again.

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Klaw: The past is gone but something might be found to take its place: Klawchat.

Brian: Can you think of a player that has sustained the type of injury Kyle Lewis did this week and return Ed to form after rehab? Thanks,
Klaw: Off the top of my head, no. I’m afraid in this case that it takes away his chance of staying in CF, which was never a given and now might be close to zero.

Ryan: What do you think of the Cubs trade for Mike Montgomery? Theo seems to think that he is the next great left handed reliever. Your thoughts?
Klaw: I think he’s a great left-handed reliever. I also think Vogelbach had no value to the Cubs but could end up a league-average DH now that he’s in the AL. As much as we’ve all mocked his lack of position and his, uh, physique, he has very real (70 or 80) power and a decent feel to hit.

Bob: Have you had a chance to see Jorge Alfaro this year? Seems like there are some indications that his catching has improved. His offense – at least by OPS – is about as good as it’s ever been too. What do the Phils have there?
Klaw: Yep, the catching has improved, at least according to the scouts I’ve talked to. (I haven’t seen him myself.) And if he stays back there and is even just fringy with the glove he’s got a very good chance to be an above-average regular because I think he’ll be a fairly high BABIP hitter (who never walks) with power.

Brian: Have you been able to see much of Aaron Sanchez? I’m curious if his mechanics have changed sufficiently that your concerns have been mitigated. He has certainly been a delight to watch this season.
Klaw: I discussed him in the top 25 under 25. His mechanics are not very different and I’d still like to see his stride longer for his long-term health. His body, however, is very different and I think that’s the cause of his jump in performance this year.

Jack: Last week you said something like Jose De Leon doesn’t have a strikeout (or swing and miss) weapon. I’m trying to reconcile that observation with the fact that he keeps getting strikeouts. He’s been over 30% K% in both AA and AAA now. He’s got a high minors strikeout pitch that won’t translate? Can you give us some other examples of guys who generated these kinds of strikeout totals in the high minors who couldn’t translate any of that success to MLB?
Klaw: History is littered with guys who had adequate K rates in the minors and couldn’t hold it in the majors. Sean Manaea punched out 146 in 121 innings in his first year in pro ball, but that hasn’t held up. I like De Leon as a prospect but see a limited ceiling because he lacks that out pitch – and you’re not telling me he has an out pitch, or what it is, but are just pointing to a stat line.

Eric: Is it time to move Jake Thompson to the big leagues? Doing really well in AAA
Klaw: I assume he’ll be up shortly. Another guy with good feel to pitch but probably lacking that swing-and-miss weapon.

Von Hayes: Hi Keith, do you believe Yoan Moncada will start next season in the big leagues? Also, what is your major league projection for Bobby Bradley? Can he be similar in production to Chris Carter?
Klaw: I don’t think Moncada will be in the big leagues to start next year nor should he be. Carter is a good comp for Bradley’s ceiling although I don’t think Bradley has that kind of present raw power – you’re projecting on it quite a bit there. I saw Bradley again the other day and his recognition is really poor.

Aaron C.: A’s SS Marcus Semien has worked hard to improve from a horrific defensive player to merely a below-average one. In addition, he’s enjoyed a nice HR spike in his age 25 season. Are these sustainable gains or — to his bat — is he still the same hitter (.307 OBP in 2016) that he’s always been with a sprinkling of fluky power?
Klaw: The defensive gains could be real – we’ve seen a lot of guys improve at the big-league level on defense because they’re getting good coaching for the first time. But the power looks like a stone fluke.

John: Why is Julio Teheran constanly on the trade rumor despite that his GM asserts he won’t be traded.
Klaw: Because writers need to eat.

Alan: I know you’ve said that Atlanta shouldn’t deal Teheran. What am I missing? He’s a pitcher who could fall apart at any point, they won’t be good for a couple years, and he could bring back the type of impact hitter they need. I know he’s cheap, but it seems shortsighted for them to keep him.
Klaw: I don’t agree with the premise. He could fall apart at any point only in the sense that any pitcher could – I don’t see any particular reason why he would. And I don’t know that he brings back the impact hitter they need, not by himself; he’s not getting you Benintendi, for example. He’s good, not great, probably still improving but not as good as his ERA might imply. And I think they need him to be respectable next year in their first year at the Big Con.

Alex: Dakota Hudson seems to have everything a front of the rotation starter needs- do you believe he has that high of a ceiling?
Klaw: He has nothing a front of the rotation starter needs. I’m not even 100% sold he’s a starter, given the delivery. I believe he should start as long as he’s able, because there’s a good chance he’s a mid-rotation guy, but front of the rotation? Top 20 in baseball? I don’t see that at all.

Tony: I’m traveling to Nashville for work in two weeks and staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. How effed am I with regards to doing anything interesting without having to spend $30+ for a cab? Based on an old review of yours I stumbled on when looking for restaurant recommendations, it seems like I’m pretty effed
Klaw: Yeah, pretty much. Or rent a car. Might be cheaper. Nashville’s a wonderful city, but the Gaylord is somewhere in the state of Franklin.

Max G.: While I agree with you that the Astros should move Correa to third and put Bregman at short, It isn’t going to happen. Do you think Bregman could handle CF?
Klaw: No. I think he could handle 3b or 2b but really right now he is their best SS option, and they’re going to have to have that conversation with Correa this winter.

Jon: Triston McKensie keeps trucking along with a sub 1.00 ERA. Have you heard anything about his stuff? Making a push to be a top 100 prospect over the winter?
Klaw: Heard he’s the most promising of all the arms on that MV roster but it’s still a lot of projection (meaning stuff to come in the future rather than present).

Eric: I am a fan of the Phillies selling high on their overachiever bullpen guys Gomez, Nerud and maybe Hernandez. But when is the line between getting value for them and holding onto a few so your bullpen isn’t completely decimated? Thanks!
Klaw: Neris is the one to keep, as he’s younger and costs nothing. The other two, ship ’em out, then start trying other arms from within the system to fill the middle relief roles and see who can handle it. Every system has failed starters who could at least find value in the bullpen – even so-so starters like Pinto, Lively, Pivetta could break into the majors in relief, with an eye toward maybe sliding one or more into the rotation next year.

Rickey: What is Ryon Healy’s ceiling and what are reasonable offensive and defensive expectations for A’s fans excited by his first week in Oakland?
Klaw: I think bench guy/below average regular.

Kraig: What is the difference between DJ Peterson this year and last year? His numbers this year are dramatically better.
Klaw: Repeated AA, and wasn’t even that great there. Now he’s in the PCL, which is full of hitters parks, with a .426 BABIP (including HR). You tell me.

Tom: How good is Yulieski Gurriel?
Klaw: I saw him in 2013 and he was awful – out of shape, moving slow, appeared not to have a position. But scouts who saw him last winter and execs who saw him work out this past month raved – body in shape, quick twitch returned, bat speed better, actions in the field better. So he might be a star today who turns into a bench guy by the end of the deal (when he’ll be at least 37).

Munchkin: Dom Smith: are his weight and body type concerning? Some people wonder if that might affect his health, flexibility and durability in the future, while others think that doesn’t matter as long as he keep hitting.
Klaw: I think he’s going to have to work more on his conditioning. He’s a great defensive 1b, but if he puts on 20 pounds he’s going to be a DH. Another reader asked about his recent surge and whether i’d slide him up the rankings (he was #44 last week) – no, although I’m very glad to see his performance, it’s over a fairly small sample and I prefer to see more extended success. The fact that he’s striking out so infrequently is probably the best aspect of this little run he’s on.

Derek: What’s Tohomas Szapucki’s realistic upside? Any chance you’ll be stopping by Bkln to see the loaded Cyclones team?
Klaw: Might be #2 starter upside. Not sure I’ll get up there as I have been spending most of my free time working on my book.

Jay_B: Can you tell us anything about Blackburn and Pries, the two lesser-known pieces of the Cubs-M’s trade?
Klaw: Blackburn’s a command RHP, had projection in HS but stuff never ticked up. Might be a 5th starter, probably less. Pries is an org starter but I wonder if there’s a thought to put him in the pen full-time and see if his fastball ticks up.

Nathan: What else will the new Twins’ GM need to do to right the ship? As a fan, I’m frustrated with the talent failing to develop and I’m wondering where the issue lies and what needs to be done to fix it. But getting a new GM is at least a start if they can hire the right one for the job and not Ryan 2.0
Klaw: They need to build an internal analytics department, first and foremost. You can’t operate in MLB right now unless you have that, if only for competitive intelligence purposes. I also have real questions about the MLB coaching staff, and the owner’s statement that Molitor is the manager next year would really concern me if I were a Twins fan. It’s a great job for someone – good market, great city, fantastic stadium, solid farm system, strong amateur scouting dept – but not if it comes with shackles.

Adam: Could it be argued that the Padres didn’t do enough to mitigate risk in the Pomeranz trade considering the volatility of young arms, especially in a one-for-one deal?
Klaw: I guess, but I don’t think you worry as much about mitigating risk when you’re rolling the dice on someone like Espinoza, who’s about as good an 18-year-old arm as we’ve seen in pro ball in a while.

DH: Boba Fett, sorry, Bo Bichette is off to a good start. You’ve been fairly bullish. What are the skills/results you’ll look for to indicate he’s on track to being the player you think he can be?
Klaw: If he keeps up the contact rate, I’ll be satisfied. But remember his brother, whom I was very down on as a draft prospect (not even on my top 100), had a huge GCL stint, and hasn’t done anything since.

Brett: Does Max Kepler becoming an All Star or even an every day regular help bring MLB popularity to Europe?
Klaw: I certainly hope so. I figure there are probably some good restaurants to check out in Munich.

Larry: When you rank Anderson Espinoza so high in your mid-season rankings, do you feel you accurately account for risk of such a young pitcher? Do you use a statistical model to properly value the risk/reward value?
Klaw: Yes, I feel I do. No, I don’t use a statistical model; such a model would be worthless because of the subjective nature of the inputs. GIGO.

Anonymous: Are you a believer in Verdugo (I do not recall your thoughts previously) and has his performance in AA at 20 solidified or changed your opinion. Is there a chance of All-Star game with him or is best case a first division regular? Thanks too for the board game reviews. My young-ins are thoroughly enjoying multiple suggestions.
Klaw: He was on my top 50 last week.

Ralph: From this year’s draft, who do you see having bigger upside, Josh Lowe or Alex Kiriloff?
Klaw: Kiriloff, although I understand why some people would argue Lowe.

Ralph: Why do you think Bryan Reynolds dropped so far in the draft? Seemed pretty polished for a college bat. Do you think he ends up a major leaguer?
Klaw: Strikeout rate. Has plate discipline, but needs to be more aggressive when ahead in the count. Jeren Kendall is going to face a similar criticism next year but is more athletic overall and I think is a 1-1 candidate.

Andrew: What are the Rangers doing with Profar? He started hot but now it seems like he starts once a week and is otherwise a pinch hitter? Is he good enough to contribute now or just a trade chip not being showcased?
Klaw: I think he’s good enough to play every day, and I assume now that Fielder is out he will do so.

Nick: Did Tyler Naquin show big raw power as a prospect, or is his performance thus far really completely out of nowhere?
Klaw: I think it’s really out of nowhere. Glad they gave him the opportunity, though.

D: I bought your Allen and Ginter card off eBay… Is there somewhere I could send it for you to sign?
Klaw: Yes, to me c/o ESPN, 1 ESPN Plaza, Bristol CT 06010. A couple of people have found my home address and sent something here, but I do ask everyone to respect my family’s privacy and I will not return anything that comes here.

Scrapper: Who says no to Eloy Jiminez straight up for Andrew Miller?
Klaw: I would think the Cubs would.

Scrapper: For those of us who care about things, hate political rhetoric and anti-science jibberish, this last year has been particularly frustrating. Has the last year affected how you view our country?
Klaw: Yes, almost entirely for the worse. I did not think this white-resentment strain of politics would be as popular as it is, but apparently I was quite out of touch.

Hal Steinbrenner: Do you see future stardom out of Ronald Guzman or Tyler O’Neill?
Klaw: More like future everydaydom.

Brian: I was wondering if you might comment on the differences between Joey Gallo and Dylan Cozens? I know people have said that Cozens has massive raw power like Gallo, and I was curious as to what the difference that has you thinking Gallo is at minimum a .230-.240 hitter w/big power and Cozens is something significantly less.
Klaw: Gallo is a way better athlete and a better pure hitter. Cozens’ year is skewed by playing at Reading and he doesn’t hit LHP at all.

Mike: Do you think Tyler Skaggs will pitch well coming back from injury for the Angels?
Klaw: I’m optimistic. Was always a fan, going back to HS, except for the year when he was with Arizona and they decided to screw up his delivery.

Drew: If the Twins called you tomorrow and offered you the GM job would the idea that Molitor can’t be fired be a road block? If you took the job would you trade Joe Mauer for just about anything? One of my favorite Twins but he’s not going to be on the next playoff team and I’d rather see Sano/Park/Vargas/whoever play 1B/DH. If there are no takers, would you cut him loose?
Klaw: Speaking strictly hypothetically – I don’t expect this call and don’t want anyone to think I’m campaigning for any job here – I would say yes, it’s a roadblock, and would want that on the table for discussion. I’d be willing to sit down and make the case for a managerial change, not just that I want to hire my own guy for its own sake. As for Mauer, I think he’d be close to untradeable, I doubt he or ownership would be amenable to a trade, and I don’t know enough about his health to guess what kind of player he’ll be going forward.

John: You listed Matt Strahm as your sleeper in the KC system and he’s doing quite well in Double-A. Potential #3 starter? Or too optimistic?
Klaw: I think I had him as a potential 4, but I wouldn’t argue the point here. Has touched 96, will pitch at average, curve is a potential out pitch and kills LHB.

Jack: What are your thoughts on Giants prospects Austin Slater and Steven Duggar?
Klaw: Both are probably bench guys/4th OFs, although I think Slater could be more if he can make more hard contact. He can hit, but I would bet his exit velocity isn’t very good.

Todd: Do you think we’ll get to see JP Crawford and Nick Williams in Philly this season?
Klaw: Probably both. I would hope this silliness with the AAA manager benching Williams is over now.

David: Cheslor Cuthbert legitimate? Or just a fringe guy?
Klaw: I have always loved his swing. I think he can be an average defender at 3b. But he either has to take a walk or develop some above-average power to be more than a fringe guy. I’d probably still bet on him because I just really like the swing and I think where there’s this kind of feel to hit there’s always hope.

Pete: Would you say that your ceiling has changed at all for Conforto with his recent struggles? Or is it just an injury that is delaying the true breakout?
Klaw: Nothing has changed except that Terry Collins appears to have lost his mind.

Kay: I try not to scout the stat line – but often that’s the only way I can check in on most of these guys. What stats are MOST useful in checking progress of MiLB players?
Klaw: There’s no easy answer to that. It depends a bit on the player’s tools/skills, and also what you might want to see improve. So for Joey Gallo, we know he has power, but we want to see his K% improving. Same for an Aaron Judge. But I mentioned Slater above – his K% is fine, and probably always will be, so for him it’s other things like more extra-base hits or more walks.

JG: In your humble opinion, who’s the best person (keeping Kim Ng in mind) that the Twins could bring in as the GM?
Klaw: Aaron Gleeman mentioned Jason McLeod on Twitter yesterday, and I seconded it. He’s got a good track record of success and has worked in several analytically-minded organizations, so he should be able to come in and help build that department. (I view that as the single most important criterion for the Twins in hiring a new GM. If you can’t build that capability, you can’t be the GM.)

JWR: Are you watching the conventions this year? Why or why not?
Klaw: I never watch that stuff. I’m voting straight-line Democrat this year and I still won’t watch the DNC. Bunch of rah-rah bullshit.

Andy: Strange as it seems, picking up Jean Segura hasn’t been terrible for the D-Backs. He’s walking slightly more than before and looking like an adequate fielding 2B. There’s still major questions about the process in getting him, but he hasn’t been their issue this year.
Klaw: He’s been fine, not great, still not a good leadoff hitter, but they’ve had much bigger problems. The problem was, as you said, the process – they gave up way too much, especially given how bad he’d been the previous two-plus years.

addoeh: Do you think Christopher Correa is the fall guy or did he act alone?
Klaw: I have been surprised all along that he was the only person accused in this, but absent any other evidence how could I claim otherwise?

Ray: Any chance Willie Calhoun can stay at 2B? Can Francisco Mejia be an Impact fantasy catcher down the road?
Klaw: I think Calhoun’s a LF. Can hit, though. Yes on Mejia.

UGW: Erick Fedde is on a heater… 3 ER in his last 38 IP. # 3 starter?
Klaw: Reliever. Lacks a third pitch. Not sold on the delivery.

Jacob: Jose Berrios continues to dominate in AAA. Have you heard any reports of him refining his stuff to allow him more success in the majors?
Klaw: No, sounds like the same guy, too good for AAA, needs to pitch in the majors even if it means struggling now. Gotta learn to get those guys out at some point.

Anonymous: Mandated apparently said they’re looking into limiting the use of relief pitchers somehow (due to speed-of-game and effectiveness concerns). Good idea?
Klaw: I assume that’s Manfred, and I said on the BBTN podcast today I’m not a big fan of changes that materially alter the game on the field for marketing reasons. If teams had to carry fewer active relievers per game, however, that might accomplish the same goal without limits like saying a reliever has to face a minimum of three batters.

Patrick: Keith, I’ve got no place to go, so Klawchat question! For three-year college players, is being assigned to rookie ball seen as a step backwards? Should these players be skilled enough for low or high A immediately?
Klaw: Good three-year college players should be able to go right to low-A after the draft. I understand sometimes players go elsewhere for other reasons (taxes, geography, working with a specific coach), but when they’re placed too low it makes their performance suspect.

Jonah: Have your thoughts changed on Travis Macgregor? Seems to be doing very well in the GCL and making a name for himself
Klaw: He’s thrown 8 innings. What?

Jim: You said earlier this year Beede’s velo was down, is it back? Has Bickford improved the breaking ball?
Klaw: His velo was down because he was throwing sinkers, not four-seamers. He’s throwing the four-seamer again, so the velo is there. Bickford you saw at the Futures Game – his velocity really is down and I don’t think there’s good enough secondaries there. He’s very available in trade.

Jay: Kevin Newman or Gleyber Torres?
Klaw: Newman is the higher probability guy, Torres has much higher upside.

DHS: Wilco is coming out with a new record in September. Are you a fan? If so, your favorite record by them?
Klaw: Nope, sorry.

Matt: I remember you were a fan of Mike Folynewicz when he was coming up. It’s been a rough few years of development, but he looks to have turned a corner of late in terms of harnessing his absurd stuff. Do you think he can be a legit mid-rotation type long term?
Klaw: I think he can be a #2 or better.

Chris S.: Hi Keith, thanks for the weekly chats. Logistics question: with 400k followers on Twitter, how do you keep up? I imagine you get bombarded all day long with a mixture of intelligent discourse and trolling. You’ve responded to me a handful of times and I’m amazed I can get through the chattel. How do you manage it?
Klaw: It’s becoming more and more difficult, but I use the mute and block features there very heavily to try to keep my replies manageable. People who troll or insult me are just wasting my time, and clearing them out makes it more likely I’ll see stuff I really want to see – stuff that’s worth the response, whether it’s there, here, or somewhere else.

Shining Light: Did someone run over your puppy today? Good God you’re in a bad mood.
Klaw: Right, you read a bunch of chat questions and answers and decided what kind of mood I’m in. That’s clever. Go away.

Tony: Forrest Whitley is a big Texas RHP. Build reminds me a little of Tyler Kolek. Is a 3rd starter too much to rely on for Whitley?
Klaw: Built like Kolek, WAY better pitcher today. Kolek was a breaking point for me – I’m done overrating the big kids who throw hard but aren’t much in the way of pitchers. I missed on too many of them over the years and I should have learned my lesson earlier.

Tony Alva, Dogtown, CA: How high could you have seen Brandon McIlwain being drafted if he played his senior baseball season instead of leaving early for Univ. of South Carolina?
Klaw: He was a first-rounder. MLB teams don’t particularly care for that because it doesn’t work.

Tony: Reasonable expectations for Jordan Sheffield?
Klaw: I think he’s a reliever in the long run. Maybe a great one, but short RHP with rough arm action usually ends up in the pen.

Tony: Nolan Jones was high on a lot of draft rankings but then fell pretty far in the draft. Reasonable ceiling for him?
Klaw: Fell only due to money. I think he has star potential.

Tom: Verdugo was your top 50, but there seems to be others who think he’ll end up as a tweener. Can you see that viewpoint at all?
Klaw: No, I can’t.

Oren: Justin Smoak – he’s bad, right?
Klaw: He’s one tick above replacement level. You don’t give that a two-year deal.

Zach: Hey Keith, I used to cover basketball for a living and it’s pretty accepted that teams have access to a lot of sabermetrics that fans/journalists don’t. Do MLB teams also have inside analysis/metrics that greatly differ from what’s available on say, fangraphs? It strikes me that the individual nature of baseball would make the gap between insider/outsider knowledge less pronounced. Thanks, always appreciate the chats.
Klaw: Yes, they do, and they’re not going to tell us about it.

Billy and the Boingers: Favorite Bloom County Character or Storyline?
Klaw: I loved everything with the Banana Jr. 5000.

Cal: Does Nick Gordon still profile as an everyday SS?
Klaw: Yes, I think he does. Probably a solid-average regular or a little better.

BlueInSF: With MLB getting younger generally + the latest knowledge showing that defense and pitching peak much earlier than previously suspected, shouldn’t we logically see the draft shade more towards HS over college prospects?
Klaw: No, because in that case college guys should be able to come quickly to the big leagues. And they have.

Jeff: Cashner for Yohander Mendez and Ronald Guzman…who says no?
Klaw: Rangers would say no. And so would I.

Scherzer’s Blue Eye: How do you differentiate trolling and just good-natured giving you a hard time? (psst…I rely on the latter one)
Klaw: Judgment call, but when in doubt, I mute. Think about how many replies I get – and all the comments/feedback I get through outlets other than Twitter, too. If I don’t attempt to curate, it all becomes useless to me. If I mute someone by mistake, it’s a shame, but it’s probably not doing any significant harm. And I’ve always unblocked people who’ve asked me to.

Glen: Can Gregorius handle 3rd base if/when Mateo is ready?
Klaw: I’m not moving Gregorius for Mateo. Didi’s going to be the better defender.

Klaw: That’s all for this week – thank you as always for reading and for all of your questions. I’ll be at the Under Armour Game at Wrigley on Saturday and hope to see some of you there.

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.

Questions go in the frame below, NOT in the comments. My draft recaps for all 30 teams are up for Insiders, one file for AL teams’ drafts and another for NL teams’ drafts.

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Klaw: In this journey, you’re the journal, I’m the journalist. Klawchat.

Joel: Re Nimmo: Is it that you’ve heard that nothing much has changed or that simply put, it’s basically impossible to tell if prospects doing well in Vegas and the PCL are for real (sorta a reverse Savannah problem)? Either way, Nimmo had struggled for a while so it’s certainly nice to talk about him tearing the absolute cover off the ball, regardless of where it is happening…..
Klaw: I’m hearing nothing’s really changed, but the latter point is probably the more important one here. Vegas, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Reno are all such severe hitter’s parks – mostly due to altitude – that it skews the stat lines of lots of players and makes it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff by eyeballing the numbers.

Cedric: I know you’ve always been high on Dom Smith and have said we should just wait till he gets to the normal ballparks in AA…….only he’s been awful this year (at least just by “scouting the statline” standards). have you heard anything regarding him and his struggles?
Klaw: He’s been very disappointing, but he also just turned 21 yesterday and is in AA. And he’s still making lots of contact and is even drawing a few more walks. But yes, to your point, this is below what I expected from him, and no, I haven’t heard of anything like an injury that might explain what’s happened the last few weeks.

John: You mention that moniak will probably never have an average power tool. One of the reasons that’s you say is because of his narrow stance and line drive swing. How often do teams tinker with this? Is it a common thing for teams to change a stance or a swing path?
Klaw: Stance isn’t hard to change, swing path can be very hard to change. Some guys can do it – Ben Zobrist and Jose Bautista are the two best examples I can think of – but far more struggle. Better to take the player based on what he is and will be with his current swing, at least when you’re drafting 1-1.

EC: I haven’t heard much talk about the “inverted W” recently. Was it disproved? Just a silly way to talk about mechanics?
Klaw: A silly way to talk about mechanics. I never liked or used the term and have said that I can make a lot of pitchers appear to do it simply by changing how high I’m standing while I shoot the picture or video. However, the “high elbow” in that position often means the pitcher is pronating pretty late relative to his front foot landing, and that’s generally a bad thing for arm health.

Michael: I love your work and generally agree with your positions, but I am pretty disappointed you have pushed for the judge in the Stanford case to be recalled. While you or I may disagree with the sentence, it is at least defensible given the probation officer’s recommendation and the severity of filing as a sex offender for life. Judicial independence is an important part of the American legal system and for you (or anyone) to advocate the removal of a judge for one decision is unprecedented and dangerous. (Attorneys who have worked with that judge have repeatedly called him impartial) You may have read extensively on the case (actual court documents), but most have not, and to call on the mob is somewhat irresponsible. Judges are independent for a reason: so they purposely do not give in to the whims of public opinion. You have a voice many of us would love to have. Criticize the judge and his decision all you want. But do it through speech, not a recall.
Klaw: He sentenced a man convicted of felony sexual battery to a jail term commensurate with a misdemeanor. The sex offender registration issue is a red herring: California law does not say jail OR registration, it says jail AND registration. If you read the probation officer’s report, it’s a pro-defendant disaster, and the victim has said it misrepresents her wishes for the defendant’s sentence. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to say a judge who treats sexual battery in such a cavalier manner, even in one case, does not belong on the bench.

Eric H.: Realistic ceilings for Christin Stewart and JaCoby Jones, in your opinion?
Klaw: Stewart above average regular, Jones up-and-down guy or AAA player.

Michael: Why did the Rockies wait so long to DFA Reyes? Clearly, that was a PR decision, but they kept him on the club through the winter and let him play in the PCL.
Klaw: I don’t think they would have been allowed to cut him sooner, at least not before MLB or authorities had weighed in on the charges. Also, I’m good with the outcome. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Bruce: I know it’s SSS but do you think Chris Paddack has top of the rotation potential? Did you foresee this when he was drafted in the 8th round?
Klaw: You’re definitely scouting the stat line if you’re taking 18 innings and talking TOR potential. For that to be true, I’d want to see at least two plus or future-plus pitches, a solid third and maybe fourth, a great delivery, size, history of health … a lot that Paddack doesn’t have. He’s 89-94 with an above-average split-change, no real breaking ball, and just missed almost two months with some kind of arm soreness. Good body and delivery. Great pick in the 8th round, but I could not possibly hang an ace ceiling tag on him just yet.

Owen (London): It’s only June and already Dusty is talking about consistency &the importance of being consistent, not to mention clutch hitters hitting clutchly in clutch situations. I live in London and I’m schvitzing.
Klaw: But they’re in first place ergo he must be a good manager!

Fred: How would you rank Thor, Matz, deGrom, Harvey, Wheeler in order must re-sign/not trade?
Klaw: Thor and deGrom at top. Wheeler is an unknown till he’s back. I’m least sanguine about the long-term health and durability of Harvey and Matz.

NickTheStick: If you had an AAA affiliate with an extreme hitters environment, would that change how you move a hitting prospect through the system? Hold him a little longer at AA? Maybe even call him straight up from there?
Klaw: Skip AAA entirely.

TedT: Assuming Jason Groome signs, about where on your list of top Red Sox prospects will he start out?
Klaw: No more than fourth or fifth I’d say. Pretty good system already.

Rick: You had Dylan Cozens as your sleeper for Philly pre-season. He’s roared out to a 19 HR, 13 SB, .967 OPS start with higher walk and strikeout rates than last season. Product of Reading or is this the breakout you imagined?
Klaw: I think it’s a lot of Reading, but also some maturation at the plate. I’ll buy into it more fully when he does it AAA. Hoskins too, whom I like even though he’s not my ‘type’ of player. I think some of it’s legit, but you can’t believe HR totals in Reading.

Adam: You referred to the Padres draft as confusing. Do you generally like the talent they were able to acquire by essentially buyin low or would you have preferred to see them go top heavy like what the Braves did?
Klaw: I would have gone for it at 8, 24, and 25, while the best players were still on the board, and then gone a little cheaper later to overpay those guys if needed.

Nelson: Klaw, do you consider osteopathy a real science or more pseudo? And if so, when would it be better to go to an Osteopath over a MD?
Klaw: There is a lot of pseudoscience within osteopathy. This essay does the best job I’ve seen of breaking it down.

Michael: Jenkins called up by the Braves……in the bullpen now but you still buying him as a starter long term??
Klaw: Yes, but he needs to miss more bats to be a starter, and I’m wondering if he’ll move to the pen and miss more bats straight off so that that becomes his long-term role.

Francis R.: Have you read Sam Harris’ essay “The Riddle of the Gun” His arguments are so reasoned, this should be required reading for all lawmakers and pundits before they start discussing gun control.
Klaw: Yep, it’s outstanding. Highly recommended.

Al: How can the Orioles stay in the race? Is it impossible? Is strong hitting, defense and bullpen work enough? Because they arent going to get quality starting all year….does that hurt the bullpen then?
Klaw: They haven’t been getting quality starting so far, other than Tillman, and are still basically a .500 team since the 7-0 start. If that means they’re heading for 86-76, are they still fringe contenders?

DPF: Could Cutch get 2 top 100 prospects and a MLB regular if traded this offseason?
Klaw: Depends on whether he gets healthy and performs in the second half. I’m sure he’d still fetch something of value even if not, maybe two top-end prospects and that’s it, but teams will be wary of paying up for him if they’re afraid he’s not 100%.

Gary: Do you think Keuchel turns it around? His peripherals seem to suggest he will.
Klaw: Yes. Seems to be way off mechanically. Stuff is fine.

Pete: Hi Keith. Will the Pirates promote Meadows and Keller soon? Would you?
Klaw: No. No rush on either guy. Both young for their levels with minimal experience below.

Joe: Jake Lamb’s power outburst legitimate? Already up to 12 so far this season.
Klaw: Yep. I’m on it.

Pineapple: Are you a Psych fan, Klaw?
Klaw: You know that’s right.

Nate: Does Josh Hader move into your top 50 for the next prospect rankings?
Klaw: No. Delivery issues remain.

Brad Z: Does Beau Burrow’s low K rate concern you?
Klaw: No. He’s 19 with a handful of innings of pro experience.

Brad Z: Matt Hall has pretty good numbers at West Michigan. How do you project him going forward?
Klaw: Non-prospect.

Nelson: How many older guys like Duvall are there in the Minors that can come up and hit 25+Hrs with a .300 OBP immediately. Are there a bunch, or is he really unique?
Klaw: I don’t think he’s that unique. Most teams wouldn’t play a guy with his lack of OBP skills, so we don’t see it happening very often.

Mulechop: Merrifield has looked pretty good so far. Can he be a league average 2B?
Klaw: No. Like, not even sure I’d give him a 1% chance.

I reordered the following two questions for clarity. I have not changed any of the text.

Anonymous: We talked briefly on twitter yesterday about Syndergaard and you said a complete game has no intrinsic value. Taken to the extreme, if pitcher A has 30 starts of 8 IP and player B had 30 complete games and all other stats are equal, nothing differentiates these two guys in your eyes?
Klaw: Well, player B has nine more innings. Whoop de do.

Ben: Keith, Player B would have 30 more innings in that scenario. One more inning for each start X 30 starts=30 innings. That’s a pretty big difference, is it not?
Klaw: Sorry, I totally misread the question and you’re right. Still, the difference is the thirty innings, not the complete games. I guess the better analogy would be Player A makes 20 starts and completes them all, while Player B makes 30 starts and averages six innings in each, so 180 innings each. Is Player A somehow more valuable because he’s completing all of those games? I don’t buy it. How?

Nathan: Logan Shore at #47. Was that a good, safe pick or should the A’s have aimed for a higher ceiling talent?
Klaw: Little safe, but appropriate for the round.

Ray: You believe in science. Are there studies that show one week of pitching too much causes major injuries? I’m against overuse too, but it seems that throwing 250 pitches in 72 hours one time isn’t as big of a risk as pitching itself.
Klaw: ASMI research has consistently shown that pitching while fatigued increases the risk of injury. If you think anyone can throw that much and not end up fatigued, well, we just disagree.

006: Don’t understand why they would activate Willson Contreras at this point….they are 24 games over .500, no? Unless something is wrong with Montero/Ross?
Klaw: I believe Ross got dinged up last night – Ron Coomer apparently floated this on Chicago radio today.

Ben: Is Kendall the best college hitter in the draft next year as of now? What about best overall college prospect?
Klaw: Right now, he’s the best college position player in the class. I don’t know who’s clearly 1-1 if anyone, but I am hopeful this is a 2011 situation where 4-5 players are good enough to go 1-1 and you can’t really go wrong with any of them.

Tom: Josh Bell already has more homers this year than last year, although his K% is up to 17. Is he turning into a power hitter or just a hot streak?
Klaw: Not sure what the “although” is … that’s a comically low K rate for a hitter like Bell. I think he’s pulling the ball more this year, unlocking power he’s always had.

Vin: Why do you think Bryan Reynolds fell so far in the draft? With so much ability, it seems foolish that teams were so scared of his strikeouts, especially considering his awareness of the strike zone.
Klaw: Yeah, the strikeouts, concerns he’ll struggle vs good lefties, better pitching … where the Giants took him, I’d take that toolset eight days a week. I would have taken it 30 picks higher. He’s not hopeless at the plate, but he’ll need to tighten his approach.

Ben: At what point do we become concerned with Judge’s AAA stats, particularly his propensity to strikeout at a high rate?
Klaw: I believe I raised this concern last summer when he was in AA. That said, he’s been cutting the K rate this season – started June 0-8 with 3 Ks, and since then has 9 K in 56 PA, hitting .409/.536/.636 in that 12-game span. Small sample, hardly definitive, but at least pointing in the right direction.

Doug: Are you surprised Cal Quantrill received an above slot deal? Especially considering Pint went well below.
Klaw: Yes. I can’t imagine returning to stanford next year for Marquess to run him into the ground was an appealing alternative to signing.

Ben: Do you think Severino figures out his command issues on his offspeed pitches?
Klaw: I have no way to tell. I think the delivery makes it hard for him to repeat his arm stroke, but that was true last year and his command was better than it was this year.

Andrew: David Paulino has posted impressive numbers in AA, but I don’t know too much about him…is he a potential rotation guy?
Klaw: Bullpen guy. Power arm with delivery/command questions.

BW: You said you were surprised Alex Kirilloff went to the Twins. How good do you think he can be?
Klaw: Only in that I just didn’t have good intel on the Twins this year. That’s my mistake, not theirs. Above-average everyday right fielder with power.

Jack: Why did Groome back out of his Vandy commitment?
Klaw: He was never going to Vandy. I think the ploy was for him to threaten to go back into next year’s draft, but that class is so loaded with college arms that it’s not a credible alternative to signing.

Nate: What do you expect from Tim Anderson this season? 275/300/400?
Klaw: I’d take the under, slightly.

Brett: Keith, are you concerned at all about Rafael Devers season so far in high A? You had him ranked I think #9 in your pre season prospect list. Any concerns long term?
Klaw: None. Again, he’s been much better lately, and he’s only 19 years old.

Scherzer’s Blue Eye: So Bob Davidson tosses Rendon because “he thought he was going to throw the bat at me.” Is there a more ridiculous statement, especially given the player involved. And, why aren’t Umpires held to more public accountability?
Klaw: No idea. That was clear provocation by Davidson, who was confrontational with Rendon immediately after tossing him. MLB should be much more open about umpires who pull this crap.

Rudy: The AZ baseball coach said he’d rather not breathe than lose a game which tells you why he doesn’t give a shit about his players.
Klaw: And adds to the impression that he flunked Anatomy 101.

Tuesday: I’ve got a weakness for mysteries set in another time, if not involving actual people (see Name of the Rose by Eco, Instance of the Fingerpost by Pears, Monaldi & Sorti). Any good ones you can recommend?
Klaw: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (and his other great novel, The Moonstone) are set in the 1850s because that’s when they were written. TWIW is considered the first major suspense novel.

Michael: Why do the PCL and California League exist then? Is it too expensive to start leagues in better environments?
Klaw: Where would you put them? Especially the PCL, which has teams in good-sized metro areas in the west that can by and large support these clubs. There are a handful of A-ball type markets unserved on the east coast, but not enough to add a half-dozen or so AAA teams.

James: Still think Archie Bradley is a starter?
Klaw: Long term, yes.

Donny Baseball: Is it realistic to ask for Schwarber for Miller?
Klaw: You can ask. The worst that happens is they say no. It’s not insulting to ask for that.

Scherzer’s Blue Eye: Scouting the Stat line: Drew Ward is breaking out. True or False?
Klaw: False. Repeating the level.

Jeremy: Zagunis just moved up to AAA. Can he be a major league contributor? He has a .400 OBP at every level in the minors.
Klaw: And has no position. He’ll play in the majors but I don’t see where he’d be a regular.

Matt: Some see AJ Puk as a bargain at No. 6, but with his recent struggles, was he actually a big risk at 6? Or do you think he will get things sorted out being with professional coaches?
Klaw: Not a bargain. About right. Has work to do on the delivery – lower half in particular is not well synced with upper half.

Santos: Serious question – why can’t you trust HR totals in Reading? You generally don’t hear that in the East.
Klaw: Small park that favors HR dramatically relative to other Eastern League parks.

Ignatius O’Reilly: The Rangers have a comfortable lead in the A.L. West, despite getting very little from Yu Darvish and nothing from Prince Fielder. They have a strong farm system they can use to make deadline deals, but other than bullpen help, is there anything (or anyone) out there they should really be giving up a big package for come July?
Klaw: Nope. And really, they could continue to improve by benching Moreland for Gallo.

Kevin: In what round, or specific player, was the first guy taken that you had no notes on or had not heard of?
Klaw: Travis MacGregor was the only day one guy on whom I had nothing. Not coincidentally, everyone I asked called that the ‘worst’ pick of the day – the subset of teams I asked had him either as a fifth rounder or as someone who should go to college.

Jason: Tyler O’Neill is putting up even better numbers as a 20 year old in the Southern League… is he on the rise?
Klaw: Yes – I’m most impressed that he’s not striking out, actually, as that was a real concern I had about him. Power was absolutely there, Cal League or not, but I didn’t know if he’d hit enough to get to it. He’s doing that and more and is still just 21 in AA.

Colin: I know Grichuk can’t tell a strike from his head, but do you like what the Cardinals are doing with Wong and CF. Do you think he can handle it adequately?
Klaw: I haven’t liked their handling of Wong for a while now, going back to the weird (punitive?) demotion … last April? or was that 2014? Either way, moving him off 2b seemed awfully reactive. He was never great there, never bad.

Kyle: Keith – do you think Mengden and Overton can become #4/5 starters in a solid rotation?
Klaw: Yes. Mengden might be a 4. Odds are both are 5s. Above replacement level, below average. Overton I’d like more if the velocity ever gets all the way back to pre-TJ levels.

NEP: Starting tomorrow how would you split up the playing time between the 3 Cubs catchers with Contreras coming up?
Klaw: Start Contreras 4 days out of 5, let Ross catch the other day, give Montero a fruit basket.

Jimmy: I know Adam Duvall is a first half outlier but can’t there be a ‘well that came out of nowhere’ spot on the All Star team or because home field is wrongly linked we can’t have fun like that?
Klaw: It really goes against the original purpose and main current value of the game: Get the best players all on one field at one time for the mass audience to watch. No one but Mrs. Duvall is turning on the game to watch Adam Duvall play. People will tune in to watch a genuine star having an off half-season, like Giancarlo Stanton. If you want to slip in a few guys who’ve come from nowhere, then make them young players, especially rookies, who will form the next generation of stars.

Justin: What is a realistic line going forward for Aledmys Diaz? .260/.330/.400 with average D at SS?
Klaw: I think he’s a below-average defender at short but the triple-slash line is probably right, maybe a little too low in the batting average.

Tom: I recently blew through a bunch of your restaurant recs found here on this very site. I’ve probably gone to about 15 places you’ve recommended and have always like them. No question – this is just a PSA for everyone chatting.
Klaw: Thanks! Glad they’ve worked out. One of the consolations of heavy travel is that I find some pretty fun places to eat.

Paul: Klaw – I know you’ve been buried in amateur prospect coverage the last month or so, but have you happened to catch any recent reports on Touki? I see that he’s still walking a ton of batter, but his last start was streamed on MILB, and good grief he looked filthy. Guess that’s pretty much the MO, though.
Klaw: Yep, stuff is great, still the same great athlete, just raw. Going to take him a while. I think everyone knew that when the Dbacks drafted him and when they gave him away.

FS: if Dunning is ML ready reliever, should Nationals consider promoting him this season? Their bullpen can use the help.
Klaw: No. He’s a starter long-term and I would transition him into that role.

Bret: I know you weren’t a fan of the Blue Jays draft, though in the past few years they have typically had a lot of success (when signing their picks). Do you attribute it to a change on leadership/philosophy, or just a case of not happening to be on the same page with particular player choices?
Klaw: This looks like a new philosophy in the draft and it certainly doesn’t match mine.

Ian: What have you heard on Brandon Marsh?
Klaw: Nothing really, other than that we’re a month from the signing deadline and anything players say at this point is probably codswallop. Perhaps it’s a ploy on his part or his agent’s – I don’t know that, but it’s possible.

Pete: Does Derek Hill’s defense make him at least a 4th OFer, even if he never figures it out at the plate?
Klaw: Yes, assuming he at least can put the ball in play 75% of the time.

Anonymous: I just read that Harris piece. Measured, but flawed. 100,000 people don’t die every year because doctors fail to wash their hands. 100,000 die every year from infections which live in hospitals and when you are cut open, you are susceptible to them. And protocols are in place to reduce that. In the same vein, we should protocols in place to reduce gun deaths whether mass shootings or singular incidents.
Klaw: I agree and favor much stricter laws on who can buy guns and what guns they can purchase. (I do not own a gun and hope I never have cause to change that.)

Busty Taker: Did Dusty Baker kick your dog?
Klaw: No, but he said my cat wasn’t clutch and needed more AAA seasoning. (Grow up already.)

Aaron: How many guys from next years draft class are you familiar with at this point?
Klaw: Twenty guys, maybe? Not enough to really talk in more than general terms. I try not to use any bandwidth on the year ahead until the draft has passed.

Anonymous: Hi Keith, any scouting report on Gourriel? Does he have a much higher floor than so many of the other Cuban players that have defected, given his age and track record?
Klaw: I saw him very bad last summer, but apparently he played much better over the winter. I highly doubt he can come right to the majors and contribute, given his age and time off, but he could be an everyday player next year for someone. I’d be really concerned about investing too much given how slow and old he looked last July, though.

Dan: What is going on with Ronald Acuna? Reports this season have been great but he hasn’t played in over a month and is on the DL but I haven’t seen any details on his injury. Is it serious?
Klaw: Broke his hand, I think. I know some Atlanta blogger(s) tweeted a picture of him wearing a cast.

Dan: What Toni Morrison work would you recommend someone starting with?
Klaw: Beloved, then Song of Solomon, then stop. It’s all downhill from there.

Dan: Brent Honeywell has been out over a month with an arm issue. I’ve heard it’s not overly serious but there has to be some level of concern with a young guy an elbow issues. Have you heard anything about his status and do you think he’s a big injury risk going forward?
Klaw: I think anyone who misses that much time with an arm injury is a risk going forward.

Ed: What does Tom Hatch project as in the bigs? a 4 or 5? Or bullpen? He seems like a solid pick for a college player in the 3rd round.
Klaw: Could be a 3 if healthy but he’s had some real health issues.

Brewersfan: Brett Phillips is striking out a lot… (32%) Should we worry about that? Maybe lost his status as top100?
Klaw: Completely serious question: Why do so many fans assume players jump in or out of the top 100 after 60 games? Is the skill set the same? The swing, the body, the delivery? Is there an underlying explanation, like an injury (remember when Hosmer played half a year in low-A with a broken metacarpal in his hand), that might explain a poor performance? Phillips is still the same guy he was last year. He might just take a little longer than we’d like.

Nationals Review: A few weeks ago when Espinosa was pretty awful at the plate you and I discussed replacing him with Turner (thanks again!). Now that Espi is hitting, at a clearly unsustainable but incredibly awesome 8 HRs in last 70 PAs… Seems silly to replace him with Turnet today, but How much rope should he get?
Klaw: None. I think that’s pure recency bias – he’s the same guy he was in May and April and 2015. What would you project him to be the rest of this year – the player he’s been the last 70 PA, or the guy you and I discussed him being when we talked a few weeks back?

Tom: O’Hearn, Mancini, Healy – are any of them legitimate breakouts? Which one profiles the best?
Klaw: Most hope for O’Hearn. Not much of a believer in the other two. Mancini’s 24 and hasn’t been anything special in AAA.

RP: Jim Salisbury, a well connected Philly writer, says Moniak is getting $6.5-7M and Gowdy is getting $4.5M. The Gowdy number can’t be true, can it?
Klaw: I doubt those numbers are true, sorry.

Rick: How frustrating it must be to offer an honest opinion on a player (McCullers) only to have him totally miss the point and blast you on Twitter as some “crappy” blogger. It’s not even like you said he’ll never be a starter.
Klaw: Also, I said he’d be a closer, potentially, which is like an $8-12 million a year job. It was a childish comment and I did not respond for that reason.

Bill: How does Moniak’s offensive skillset compare to J.P. Crawford’s when he was drafted?
Klaw: Liked Crawford’s swing more. Better runner underway. Didn’t know Crawford was this disciplined a hitter at the time.

Biff: Keith, newly working in the Wilmington metro area, what are your go-to can’t miss local spots?
Klaw: Cocina Lolo, La Fia, Two Stones are our favorites in the area. The best food is in Philly though.

Clem: Do you have a report on Josh Okimey? Tearing up the lower minors with lots of walks…is he a prospect?
Klaw: Yes, he is. Think I mentioned him last week in chat. Got MUCH stronger this winter, body totally changed.

Rob: Rowdy Tellez and JD Davis were once hS teammates. Is there a better chance they play against each other in the big leagues or that they are once again teammates….on the USA Men’s National Slo Pitch Softball Team.
Klaw: The latter.

Marshall: Name the 3 first rounders from last week that you think have the best chance to become multi-time all stars.
Klaw: Not sure I’d put that on anyone in this draft. It was really weak at the top. My top 3 guys were Ray, Groome, and Garrett, so that would be my answer, but even so I’m not sure they have that kind of potential … Ray because he doesn’t have quite that upside as a probable LF, the other two because they’re high school pitchers.

Adam: I am here every week and a big supporter of you and havent had a question answered in months………have I been black balled or just asking bad questions?
Klaw: I get hundreds of questions every week. The software says I have over 400 this week. Can’t get them all.

Chris: Luis Ortiz is holding his own in AA it looks like, but I’m only looking at stats so it could be way off. Is he a Guy?
Klaw: He’s a GUY, but probably not really ready for AA, more there because the Rangers didn’t want to leave him in the Cal League. Kate Morrison (@unlikelyfanatic) saw his last outing. She’d have more for you.

Brian: Do you agree w/the idea that the Phillies system is very deep but has few really elite talents?
Klaw: That’s fair, other than Crawford.

Anthony: Tyler Austin was a guy you liked awhile ago. Then injuries and lack of production struck. He is playing pretty well this year though. Has he made it back on to your radar yet?
Klaw: Really believed in his swing. Was not the same for two-plus years after the wrist injury … and maybe he was never that good before? Long way to go to reestablish himself, since it’s only 11 games in AAA and he’s played at that level before.

James: Would the Padres really trade Wil Myers? How can that be a good move?
Klaw: What if they get back multiple pieces who can help them?

Ben: Six years later I would like to ask it: what the hell were the Yankees thinking with Cito Culver
Klaw: I did not like the pick – he wasn’t on my top 100 for the draft that year – but I believe a lot of it was that they loved the kid, knew him really well because he’d played on their scout team that summer at East Coast Pro and Area Codes, and perhaps overrated him as a player because of his makeup.

jim: Who is the better pitcher out of allard wentz and Anderson
Klaw: Allard, Anderson, Wentz, in that order.

Jeffrey: I think one could make the argument that in some cases, the best players aren’t really “stars” as far as being widely known off the field throughout the country. I’m as big a Reds fan as their is, and I’m not sure anyone outside of Cincinnati cares a lick about seeing Joey Votto take 2 walks. He’s a wizard, but he has the personality of a loaf of bread. So sure, give the Reds token slot to Duvall. Or Bruce. I doubt anyone will care.
Klaw: Actually I’d advocate Finnegan over those others. Always need more pitching in those games and in one inning he’ll hit 97 a few times with a wipeout slider. And he’s been their best starter.

Pat: The closeness of those PCL cities to the MLB team also adds value when adding AAA guys to the MLB team due to injuries. LAD can call up a guy from Albuquerque & he’s in LA in 3-4 hours. Can’t do that with a guy playing on the East Coast.
Klaw: Very good point. Even helps for the Cal League – you can send Puig to rehab in Rancho Cucamonga and, uh, keep tabs on him while he’s there.

Dan: I just finished The Sympathizer and man, was it good. (pun not intended) I was surprised at how easy it was to read given the structure. I read your review before the chat and saw you enjoyed it as well.
Klaw: Yep, totally see why it won the Pulitzer. Oddly gripping given the subject matter and lack of any traditional narrative element like a mystery or concern over a sympathetic main character.

Mike: I’m a physician (MD). I work with DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy). They’re medical training is largely the same as MDs, and they are held to the same standards for board certifications and medical licensure. While some aspects of their training are questionable, a DO physician should not be considered “inferior” to an allopathic physician. I thought it was worth pointing this out to your readers as there is a lot of unfair bias in the medical community against them.
Klaw: Thank you for that. I think it’s doctor to doctor. That raging crackpot pediatrician in Tennessee who came out as a vaccine-denying quack is an MD, so there are idiots on both sides.

Mike: has your perception on aaron blair changed any from his mlb starts? do you think Flowers would help frame more for him than AJ? Thanks KlAw
Klaw: No change. Isn’t AJP the worst framer or one of the worst in baseball? So an elastic net would be better behind the plate.

Karl: Are Mitch Keller and Kuhl org type guys or do they have potential to be #2 or #3 rotation guys?
Klaw: Big gap between those outcomes. I think Kuhl’s a two-pitch reliever. Keller might be a 2. Good athlete, fresh arm, chance for three pitches.

Ridley Kemp: I have a meta-question: Approximately how many Donald Trump-related questions have been asked of you so far?
Klaw: Almost none. Definitely some selection bias here.

Dan: Hi Keith-saw Tim Anderson in his second game. Not knowing his milb stats, I focused on his plate presence–he seemed like a guy ready to swing, very animated. I cd be totally wrong, of course. But do you eval plate presence like you do mound presence?
Klaw: Not really, unless the body language is terrible, like Donavan Tate’s was in HS – totally disinterested.

Jeff: Tyler Mahler was your Reds sleeper this year, threw a no-no this week. So uh, please pick a bunch more Reds sleepers. Thank you.
Klaw: Um …. Jackson Stephens! Aristides Aquino! Nick Senzel! Wait, that might be cheating.

Mike: The Rockies took mostly arms (probably right due to strength of draft and BPA)….will they ruin a few deliveries by tinkering like Matzek and Gray?
Klaw: I get the sense that’s over with now. I hope so at least.

James: Does Kevin Newman have the best hit tool you’ve ever scouted?
Klaw: No, but I think it’s plus. I got some grief over ranking him as high as I did – not just from readers but from friends within the game. Granted, it’s only high-A, but at least he’s played well out of the chute.

Klaw: That’s all for this week; sorry there were some little software glitches and a brain cramp or two on my end. I’ll be back at some point next week, but with travel to Omaha for BBTN it might not be on Thursday. Thank you as always for reading.

Insiders can see my my first-round recap now, and I’ll continue writing throughout the day.

Klaw: One good day of the week and I’ll be up again. Klawchat.

Andrew: What is Thaiss’ position? Seems like the Angels reached (surprise surprise) but is the hope that he can get to the majors quickly in hopes of contributing in that 2018-2020 timeframe before the Trout window slams shut?
Klaw: Catcher who won’t stay there, so I think first base. Fast mover with the bat. Need to see the power going forward. I liked him, mostly because so many people praised the hit tool (I saw him just OK). Feel like he’s high-floor but perhaps more average regular than star?

Kyle: Dylan Carson a reach at 33?
Klaw: I thought so.

Banksy_: Whats the new story on Groome, what got him to 12? Is there a good chance he balks at their offer and he goes to Chippola?
Klaw: I’m sure he’ll say that and will ultimately sign. Slot there is $3.2 million. He’d be an all-time idiot to turn that down – the left-handed Matt Harrington, if you will. (Was Matt Harrington right-handed? I don’t even know. Not like I ever saw him pitch.)

N: Which Kieboom has a better long term outlook and by how much
Klaw: Carter is a regular, above-average most likely. Spencer is probably a good backup catcher with a chance to start occasionally.

Greg: You don’t draft for need and I understand that. But when there is a system like Atlanta with only Swanson and Albies projecting to be above average hitters, don’t you have to start taking hitters at some point? I’m not mad as a Braves fan, I’m just trying to figure out how this team is going to score any runs when they’re trying to compete a few years from now.
Klaw: If the draft is loaded with high school pitchers, don’t force it to give you a college hitter. They loaded up on the draft’s strength.

N: If Dunning were kept a reliever, which I know he’s not, how close would he be to MLB-ready at signing?
Klaw: This year. But I agree, it’s a waste of his talent.

Jamie S.: How did the Mets do in your mind? Seems like BPA all the way through (and that’s perfectly fine to me).
Klaw: Loved the first three picks – mentioned them in my round two recap (which posted after you wrote this question).

Sean: Will the Giants drafting of Reynolds affect their ability to draft more expensive players?
Klaw: If it does, so what? They got a first-round talent in the second round. I’d be ecstatic.

Nick: Can Zack Burdi be transitioned into a starter, or does remain in the bullpen fulltime?
Klaw: I know some scouts thought he could start but I believe the White Sox want to use him in relief.

Nick: Appears Tim Anderson will be called up, does he make an immediate offensive impact and can he keep up defensively at ss?
Klaw: Very skeptical of his ability to make an offensive impact given his plate discipline. Great prospect, most likely not ready today.

Jeff: Hi Keith. What are the makeup concerns about Groome? Is it serious stuff or 17-yr. old immaturity stuff?
Klaw: To me it’s immaturity and idiocy. No violence, no felonies, not a sociopath. I am more concerned about Delvin Perez’s makeup than Groome’s.

Chris: Were teams that concerned about Perez, who you had as high as three at one point, by the PED test? At 17, I guess I think it’d be hard to imagine that PEDs were the main driving force behind his production. What do you think his ceiling is as a player?
Klaw: He showed up this year with more power (oops) and running faster (who knows?). Still a potential ++ defender with bat speed. But I think the PED results confirm earlier concerns about makeup and work ethic.

Nick: Does Nolan Jones sign at 55?
Klaw: I assume anyone taken in the top three rounds will sign if he passes a physical. Most of these picks involve deals or conversations around money before the selection. (Not all, but most.)

Sam: Did Jose Miranda drop out of the top 100 for an interesting reason?
Klaw: No, he was literally #101, took him off when I added Will Smith to the middle of the list when I suddenly got a slew of positive reports on Smith. I like Miranda a lot as a hitter, think he has to move to 3b.

Anonymous: What round do you think Lasky (Haddon Heights, NJ) will end up being drafted? What about Tyler Mondile? Excited to see several south jersey guys in your top 100.
Klaw: I believe Laskey ends up at Duke. He’s not getting $2-3 million after his velocity tailed off at the end. He’ll be a guy to watch for 2019. It’s the fourth round right now which I believe is Mondile territory.

sean: I believe you had Justin Dunn ranked 15, do you feel he’s someone who can get to the Mets bullpen in late 2017 and be a starter in 2018? He’s young, 21 in September, but he seems like a player who is rapidly rising and making the proper adjustments, at least at the college level. Thanks
Klaw: He’s a starter, now and in the future.

Nick: Does Rutherford sign or go to UCLA for two years and re-enter the Draft in 2018?
Klaw: Again, I assume they all sign. Slot at 18 is $2.5 million. Maybe they go over. He does have big leverage due to his age but that’s a lot of coin to turn down.

Nick: Who are some guys that will be taken today or tomorrow because of signability issues that could be 1st rounders in 2019?
Klaw: Hunter Bishop, Jeff Belge, maybe Drew Mendoza (I see a lot of swing and miss, I know scouts who love the power and body), Ryan Rolison, Tyler Baum (totally unsignable, I’m told). Might have said Mason Thompson but the Padres took him.

Banksy_: What level does Quantrll start at? Have to think theres an innings limit with him for a while too, right?
Klaw: I assume he comes back this summer and pitches in short-season in brief outings as if he’s continuing his rehab. Wouldn’t be wrong to hold him out till instructs.

Jimincanow: Do you think the Phillies have picked right in the first 2 rounds?
Klaw: I think they picked well. It’s not exactly who I would have taken, but that doesn’t make it wrong.

Drew: People’s reaction to MLB draft picks is insane, right? There were Twins fans upset that they took Kirilloff at 14, pretty much right where he was ranked in most rankings I saw. So they add their own “scouting” and say it was a terrible pick when there is next to zero chance any of them saw him take one swing. It’s like saying you hate Indian food if you’ve never tried, only ever heard of Indian food.
Klaw: So you’re saying it’s like a 7-year-old kid’s reaction? “I hate squid.” “You’ve never tried squid.” “Yeah but I know I’ll hate it.”

Jim: Hi Keith- How often are the major league coaches consulted when considering picks? Specifically, do you think the White Sox showed Cooper some video of Alec Hansen and asked if he could iron out his control issues?
Klaw: If there’s a coach who’s exceptional like Cooper is, yes, that’s common, and makes sense because ultimately it’ll be that coach’s project – maybe not a major league coach but a minor league coordinator. I know there are also some folks like Scioscia and Showalter who more or less insist on being involved in the process. I’m not a big fan of that myself.

David: Hi Keith, I love your work. I would love to see teams trade draft picks. My question: As a Pirates man, how much should I worry about Will Craig’s struggles in the Cape Cod league?
Klaw: A lot. I think it made him a reach at 22. Same reason I don’t think JB Woodman was worth a top three rounds pick, and the Jays took him in the second.

John: How far does Funkhouser fall? 104 possible?
Klaw: Well he went 115 to Detroit (shocker, they took a Boras guy), so there you go. Bad situation for him – he should have signed last year.

Andrew: Is it possible Dane Dunning’s stock was artificially lowered just by the depth of the Florida rotation. IOW, could u have seen a world where Dunning was on a different college team, flourished, and would have been a top 5 pick? A gem hidden in Florida’s pen? Or do you think he ends up a reliever anyway?
Klaw: He’s a starter and yes, he might have gone higher had he been a starter all year. But he was never overused (thank you, Sully) and did get scouted a ton because people were always there to see the umpteen other Gators worth drafting, so net/net I don’t think he fared badly.

Chris: Not impressed with the Puk at #6. Too many red flags there…lumbering, unathletic, inconsistent this spring, walks too many guys. Yes he throws hard, yes he has a good slider, but I’m seeing Drew Pomeranz 2.0. What say you?
Klaw: You mentioned all the negatives and I think they’re generally true. I also think his lower half and upper half aren’t well synced up in the delivery. He’s also 6’6″, 93-97, with a good changeup, average breaking ball, and good extension out front. Those dudes don’t grow on trees and if you don’t take that at pick 6 you might never get one another way.

Chris: Which of these do you think needs to happen first: international draft, tradeable draft picks, or eliminating the tie between the draft and free agency?
Klaw: The last one is the most important, the first one is the most likely.

Sean A: Brewers have already said they plan to develop Ray as a CF. Chances of him sticking their and will that increase his duration in the minors?
Klaw: I think that’s the smart move. Maybe 30-40% chance he sticks there. Average defense in center makes him a frequent all-star.

Jackson: I understand that I know nothing about this. I do, really. But I watch college ball….and why did some of these late first roundteams take some of these pitchers before Dakota Hudson (e.g. Nats taking Dane Dunning). Hard to wrap mind around.
Klaw: Lot of folks think Hudson’s delivery makes him a reliever in time. Also think his fastball can get very straight. If you believe in the cutter, he’s a first-rounder.

Pioneer: Keith, thanks as always for the chat. Do you feel that AJ Puk’s workload was more a function of his command issues, or O’Sullivan just having such a deep staff that he could spread the innings around? I was surprised that he fell to my A’s, but he definitely doesn’t seem to be a fast-tracker.
Klaw: He had the back spasms, and a couple of times didn’t pitch well enough to go deep into games. He did hold his velocity into the 7th when I saw him last.

Josh: Liked the Sedlock pick but didn’t realize the manner in which Illinois used him this year. Still a future starter/how risky is he?
Klaw: Future starter, but the O’s have to back off him this year. Also, Illinois misused Jay last year and misused Sedlock. When schools do this, recruits need to pay attention.

Scott: I didn’t see Chatham in your top 100. Does he have the potential to be a prospect or was that more an overdraft so they can save some money to sign Groome?
Klaw: I thought he was a 4th-5th rounder. Can’t stay at short, questionable hit tool. Utility infielder in long run.

Zach: So it seems as if Austin Meadows took his removal from your top 25 very personally. His line since then? .429/.456/.889. Safe to say he’s snapped out of his post injury rusty phase? Also, please remove Tyler Glasnow from your ranking so he can start to really kick ass. You clearly have that kind of power, Keith.
Klaw: He wasn’t “removed” so much as passed by guys who were healthy and off to better starts.

Jeff (CT): Thoughts on Yankees second round pick, Nick Solak? I’m surprised they didn’t take a pitcher in this round.
Klaw: Sort of a scouts’ favorite, good ballplayer without big tools, but I thought more 3rd-4th round.

Bret: It seems like most online consensus is that the Jays could have done better than Zeuch, but they obviously don’t see it that way, of course. What do they see in him that justifies the #21 pick?
Klaw: Big size, fastball comes right down at you, flashes an above average breaking ball. I wasn’t on it up there – would have taken Kay before him, for example.

Wally: You nailed the Nats two picks at the end of the 1st round, which is like a 90′ putt. Is that one of the porganizations that you feel like you have good contacts/relationship, or was it a SWAG? What did you think of their Day 1 picks?
Klaw: I seldom get info like that direct from an organization about its own picks, and did not here. Really, really liked their day one. Hell, I like their day two so far too.

Banksy_: Is AJ Preller just taking kids that already have 1 TJ out of the way already, or is there actually a rhyme to his reason…yo?
Klaw: Both guys were, in theory, talented enough to go higher if healthy.

JeffT: How much should a team take into account “make-up” when dealing with a 17 yo? I mean who is the person (for better or worse) at 23 than 17?
Klaw: It matters more than you think. You’re handing the kid six or seven figures, then asking him to go be a professional, with all the responsibilities of conditioning, work ethic, discipline, and behavior that many people don’t encounter until they’re 19 or 21 or 23.

Ben: Hello from Taiwan, Keith! Love your work. Why did Rutherford fall so much? Is there any red flags or concerns other than signability? In terms of signability of Rutherford, how much is too much?
Klaw: I think signability and the fact that he turned 19 a month ago, making him an older high school player (and in a demographic that hasn’t fared well historically).

James: What do you think of the Rangers’ first two picks? I’m surprised Speas was still there in the second
Klaw: I’m not. Great arm and body, with 20 command.

Peter: I know from yesterday’s chat you weren’t expecting any of the college bats to be available for the Mariners, but how surprised are you that Lewis slipped to 11? And does Lewis become the M’s top prospect in the system once he signs?
Klaw: I had him ranked 10th, so I think it’s the right spot, but I thought others liked him more. He does swing and miss too much and I do not agree that he’s a lock to stay in center.

Nick: What’s Cole Stobbe’s ceiling?
Klaw: Ceiling probably above average regular at third. I thought he was somewhere in the 101-120 ranking area, but really at that point in the draft anything plus or minus a round is within range.

Brian: Do you think Anderson was the BPA on the Braves board at 3? Or was he simply the best combo of talent & cost? If it’s the latter, do you feel like the Braves got enough talent with their subsequent picks to justify not taking BPA at 3?
Klaw: I thought he was really good, moved him up to 7th on my final board after hearing his velocity was all the way back on Saturday. I think they probably felt they were getting BPA anyway but at a discount relative to slot at 3. I had a couple of guys above him, but again, my word is not definitive, and in this draft in particular a couple of spots in the rankings is essentially nothing.

John: If you’re the Rockies, the best case scenario is grab all the power arm prospects you can, hope you hit on a few and if they do succeed deal them at their peak for more prospects. You’ll never have a long term successful pitcher here. correct?
Klaw: I’m not that pessimistic. I think you draft power arms because that’s the only way you’re ever going to have enough pitching to compete. But if the draft gives you Brendan Rodgers or David Dahl (to say nothing of second-rounder Nolan Arenado … my God that was a good pick), take him. Don’t force the arm.

mike: can you explain the reason what the catch-all term “character concerns” is so often used (e.g. Groome) and what those concerns are are not actually reported by anyone? Is it respect for kid’s privacy or something else
Klaw: Because lawyers. I know what’s up with Groome – I did some background work of my own to check on some of the rumors (nearly all of which turned out to be false … for example, he was not kicked out of IMG). But I can’t say exactly what I know because ESPN has editorial standards for reporting and I abide by those.

Justin: For a guy like Connor Jones, is it worth the Cardinals trying to fix his delivery but risking making him a less effective pitcher?
Klaw: He’s not very effective right now. Fix the delivery and see if he starts throwing harder and/or with more sink.

Will: About how many prospects from this draft do you think go into the top 100?
Klaw: Maybe a dozen? Depends on promotions but we seem to be losing a lot of kids to the majors already.

Tom: Seems like the pirates are having a pretty crappy draft. Thoughts on what they’ve done so far?
Klaw: well I would never use that word, but I’m not a fan of the first few picks. Lodolo is interesting but he’s a very long-term development project – I thought he might be a top guy for 2019 instead.

Brian: Keith, the Red Sox selected Florida’s closer, Shaun Anderson, in round 3, mlb.com suggests he could be made a starter. But for this year, is he someone that the Sox could put in the big league pen this year and then try him as a starter in the minors next? Is that bad for his development? Is he even good enough to consider that? Thanks a lot.
Klaw: I don’t think he can be a starter. It’s not outrageous, but I think he’s a pen guy, and I’d do what you suggest – move him quick to AA or AAA and see what happens.

Kyle: Keith, if Dalton Jeffries can recover his health, do you think he was a steal?
Klaw: Maybe. He has a real shoulder issue, so he has to pass the physical first, and then see if the injury recurs or affects his velocity. This isn’t minor. Before that he might have been a top 10 pick, although I think that was a little rich for a smallish RHP without huge stuff.

Matt: Almarez for the Phillies said that Moniak can be a 70 defense 70 hit and hit between 15-22 home runs when he hits the big leagues. What do you think?
Klaw: Apparently I went to see the wrong kid.

Alex in Austin: With Wentz and Jones going in the 2nd, any chance they go to Cville or will they sign overslot?
Klaw: Signing. I’d bet anything those kids both had deals in place.

RollWave: Tulane alum here. Saw both Alemais (Pirates) and Rogers (Astros) were both recently taken within a few picks of each other. Any thoughts on these guys? Seems like Rogers as a defense-first catcher should at least have a chance of panning out.
Klaw: Extra guys – good shot at big leagues, doubt either becomes a regular.

John: Who the heck is Alex Call?
Klaw: He should have been the first pick so Call could have let the day begin.

Joe: Was Benson a huge reach for you?
Klaw: Sort of … for tools, body, intelligence, he’s a top 10 guy. The swing is a zero right now. They’ll have to rebuild it. They have the technology, though.

Brad: Hey Keith, long time reader and supporter of yours. I wanted to ask for advice for breaking into the baseball business. Occupying my free time researching/learning/studying baseball has made up most of my life and I think I’d be great in the biz. About a year ago, I passed on an internship with the Yankees after blindly reaching out and talking some with David Grabiner who was impressed with some of my thoughts. As baseball requires more and more of an analytics driven decision making process, would an MBA in data analytics help propel me into a good full time type of position? How would you best suggest breaking in as a mid-20 currently working in mechanical engineering?
Klaw: My understanding is that the big hiring now is people with extensive work and/or education in data mining fields – machine learning, signal processing, etc.

Justin: Where did you have Zac Gallen?
Klaw: Fourth-fifth rounds.

Josh: Any info on Mason Thompson (drafted in the 3rd by the Padres)?
Klaw: I’d been told he was a likely top ten pick for 2019 and was a difficult sign this year as a kid out with TJ who had seven-figure expectations.

Hinkie: Can Kevin Gowdy eventually be a top of the rotation pitcher, or his ceiling more of a 2 or 3.
Klaw: More like a 2/3, but still a good pick.

JG: In most of the prospect descriptions for catchers, many do not expect the actual player to stay at catcher. Is Ben Rortvedt the guy that can?
Klaw: I have been told no shot. He’s a hitter. I saw Lux this spring but not Rortvedt (I guess that was the right call since Lux went in the first).

Jacob: Scouting reports suggest Kirilloff may be a solid player but nothing spectacular. Anything in his game that suggests he could be something more?
Klaw: Power is much more. That’s your upside there.

Theo: Could Riley Pint pitch in the majors in a bullpen right now if needed? I know the Rockies don’t need him now, but if they were in a playoff hunt would that change? 102 is 102
Klaw: No. He’d walk too many guys.

addoeh: Are you just working on adrenaline at this point? When do you open a good bottle of rum and just relax?
Klaw: Adrenaline and some caffeine. Probably won’t really relax till the recaps are done this weekend.

Mike M: Luhnow takes a tall RHP with so-so velo and little projection (Whitley), a fringe prospect corner bat (Dawson), and a college catcher who can’t hit a lick (Rogers). Fair to say the Astros have underwhelmed so far?
Klaw: Whitley does not have “so-so velo.” He’s got a plus FB and flashes a plus CB. He has little projection because he’s already built like a big leaguer. I think you’re really unfair on that pick. The other two I’m with you.

Matt: I know you’re not a huge fan of player comparisons, but is Moniak’s upside something along the lines of Christian Yelich with better defense? He’s maybe the only guy I can think of in MLB with a 70 hit and 40 power.
Klaw: I think Yelich had a had a better pure hit tool at that age.

Mike: How far will Matt Krook fall ?
Klaw: Gone in the 4th. Another guy who has to pass his physical first – Miami flunked him in high school, then he had TJ.

Stephen: At what round in the draft do teams’ draft boards start to greatly diverge? That is, at what point do guys get taken that other teams aren’t in on at all? Or to put it another way, at what point does a team not get concerned at all that their next selection will be taken in the pick or two before they draft?
Klaw: I think we’re already at that point now. Probably somewhere in the third round boards really start to part where you get other teams taking guys you had in the 6-10 round range.

CJ: As a Cards fan (and a Puerto Rican) I’m ecstatic that the Cards nabbed Perez. Are you in the “he shouldn’t be rewarded with a first round pick because he cheated” camp, or the “He’s not a rich prep player like a lot of these other high schoolers and should be given the benefit of the doubt.” Thanks Keith!
Klaw: I’m in the “take the player you think is the best as long as he’s not violent or a felon” camp.

Robert: Regarding the Tigers selection of Manning. you mentioned Detroit has a history of developing players like him, tall athletic power arms. Outside of Verlander who have they developed in the minors? Thanks.
Klaw: Might have been Eric who said that. I love the pick, though. Big, athletic, up to 98, needs to switch to a traditional curveball grip from a spike. They haven’t taken anyone like him since Jacob Turner.

Aaron C.: Thanks for your “anti-lazy comp” policy, man. While I appreciate the work that MLB Network does in bringing the draft to the fans, they do quite a disservice when folks like Harold Reynolds are throwing out uninformed comps left n’ right.
Klaw: The same-race (or even guy who looks like this other guy) comps are insulting. The hell does that matter? Ray Lankford peaked as a guy with 20+ HR, 20+ SB, reaching 30 in each category at least once, with good OBPs and somewhat high K rates. I think that’s Corey Ray’s ceiling. I wouldn’t care if one of them was from Kyrgyzstan and the other from Darkest Peru.

Jay: Bo Bichette seems like a great pick at 66. Does he have highest upside of Blue Jays draft picks so far?
Klaw: Yes, that’s my favorite relative to draft position of theirs. I wonder if people worried because the brother has been so bad, and Bo used to have a terrible setup/load for his swing. He’s cleaned it up, and he’s a better athlete than Dante Jr.

James: My favorite part of the draft was when Tommy Lasorda comes out to announce the Dodgers pick, looks lost, then goes – “I’m Tommy Lasorda”. Think MLB could announce the person who was announcing the pick for the team.
Klaw: I thought he looked awful as he was helped up to the podium and started to speak so slowly, but then he cracked the “stay awake, fellas!” line like it was still 1980. I’m not even a fan of Lasorda’s, but that was a great moment.

Chris: Kevin Maitan would’ve been selected at what pick last night?
Klaw: Not very high. 16 years old, never faced any real competition. How do you compare that to Moniak or Rutherford?

FG: From what you hear, is there any concern that the Yankees won’t sign Rutherford? Or will they need to manage pool money properly . Thanks for your work Klaw.
Klaw: My guess is they’ll go under slot a few times and work it out.

James: Whenever a tall pitcher was picked in the first round the analysts kept saying that tall pitchers take more time in the minors because their deliveries are harder to repeat/control. Is this true?
Klaw: I think that’s true for VERY tall pitchers – 6’6″ and up, say. And the pool of those guys isn’t that big to begin with.

Amy: Wait, why does Rutherford’s age give him leverage?
Klaw: Because he’ll be eligible for the draft again in 2018 if he goes to college, rather than 2019 for most HS kids.

Troubled (Cincinnati): I see why you don’t like doing comps. Ctrent had a great tweet last night about MLB’s coverage, to hear the non-scouts (Mayo, Callis, Manual) talk, every player drafted last night was either an All-Star or a Hall of Famer. The coverage was hard to stomach because of it.
Klaw: That’s an inherent problem with any league broadcasting its own draft, unfortunately. For example, Sanchez and Carlson were both reaches in the first round. Would MLB be OK with Mayo saying, “that’s a huge reach,” or, worse, “I think that’s a terrible pick?” Probably not, and it’s their right to say, hey, this is a big marketing event for us too, let’s not bash the product. So I hear you, and to some extent I agree with you (this ain’t Lake Wobegon and these kids aren’t all above average), but there’s a COI here that’s not going away.

Adam: Would you say that two-sport guys, such as Matt Manning, have higher untapped potential as they’ve not solely focussed on baseball year round? As I Tigs fan I was expecting a hard throwing pitcher, I’m not sure if I should be excited about Manning or not.
Klaw: I think the new thinking is that their arms will be in better shape due to the long layoff from pitching. For position players i’m not as sold on the idea.

Jerry: Do you think Jared Horn priced himself out of the first couple of rounds, or were there some performance issues that have led to him slipping closer and closer to being in Berkeley for school later this summer?
Klaw: I think the money was one thing and the delivery (max effort, reliever all the way) may have been another. Some teams were just out on him for the second reason.

Josh: Who is Joseph Lucchesi? Preller seems to be making a lot of under-slot picks. Where is all of that money going?
Klaw: That’s Joey Lucchesi, who was worn out like a damn dishrag at their conference tournament after leading D1 in strikeouts during the season. Quality senior sign. I hope we’re not lamenting an injury to him a year from now. Probably helps go to pay Lawson and Thompson. I wonder if Lake Bachar is a deal too – junior but D3 kid without projection.

Nathan: I enjoy reading your work Keith. Are Robert Tyler and Ben Bowden starters at the major league level or better suited for bullpen roles?
Klaw: I think you send both out as starters, but if you asked me to bet $100 on each I’d say relief for both.

Joe: Not sure if you saw but Dylan Bundy hit 97 on his fastball and was sitting at 95. Reason to be optimistic or is there still too many unknowns at this point?
Klaw: He has calcification in his shoulder. We’re a long way from being optimistic on that disaster.

BK: Bichette stated in an intvw last night that he turned down 4 offers prior to the Jays because he didn’t like the fit. Have you heard similar? That seems quite odd to me.
Klaw: I had heard interest in him starting in the 30s, but don’t know of any specific deals. It’s not like he grew up poor so he had that luxury.

Joe: Hey Keith, How much longer until Ray Montgomery is a GM? His past 2 drafts in Milwaukee have been excellent and he seems to be well regarded in MLB circles. Thanks
Klaw: I thought he’d get more of a shot at the job in Milwaukee, but that process appeared to be over before it started. He should be on a lot of teams’ short lists for the next opening.

Joe: Knowing what you know would you have taken Groome with a top 3 pick?
Klaw: Yes, I would have. I might have handled him differently post-draft than other prospects, but so what? If you find a talented kid with a drinking problem, but no history of violence, abuse, destructive behavior, etc., you might still draft and sign him, but have EA people in place with him, avoid certain environments, etc. That’s the cost of developing players to me.

Harvey: Do you think that 40 rounds every year is too many? Must be like throwing darts after 10 rounds, right?
Klaw: I stop paying attention after round 11. Really after the top 5 rounds the significant prospects are mostly gone – players who emerge after that, like Goldschmidt, were known but just underrated by the entire industry – and round 11 matters because it’s the first round after the bonus pool rounds.

Tom: What’s wrong with the word “crappy”?
Klaw: If I say a draft is “crappy,” imagine the reaction from that scouting director or GM (I know most of them well) when he sees that? Hi, yeah, I did call your draft crappy, but I meant it in the nicest possible way…

Brian: Keith, back to the character question. This is not a criticism, I do understand your answer; but how is it better to say a kid has character issues and then just leave it there? It’s not your responsibility but people’s minds’ due tend to run to worst case and they could be thinking the kid is a Johnny Maziel level type alcoholic/woman abuser when it could be he shows up late a lot and may be a little lazy. I guess the question is, why say anything at all?
Klaw: How do I explain why a Jason Groome goes 12th when he came into the spring at 1 on most lists (mine included)?

Steve: Thoughts on Jordan Sheffield? No 2/3 starter ceiling or more of a power reliever?
Klaw: Power reliever for me. Short RHP with lightning arm but lacks command or plane for starting.

KoolMoeRip: Thoughts on O’s draft. Liking Hays in the 3rd a lot-looks like good value
Klaw: 3rd/4th rounder there. Appropriate spot for him.

Alex: A friend who is a novice baseball fan asked me about Perez. Without giving him details on scouting grades, etc.. Is Lindor a decent comp?
Klaw: No, Lindor was a WAY more advanced hitter at the same age. Plus Lindor had 80 makeup and Delvin has not 80 makeup.

Brian: is Bobby Dalbec going to be able hit professional pitching? seems like a bad pick for Boston.
Klaw: Where they took him (4th) was fair. Huge power, maybe 80 power, too much swing and miss. Fourth round expected value is near zero, so rolling the dice on a kid who might only have a 5% chance of clicking but is a solid #6 hitter if he does work out is reasonable. Also, while I like some players more than others, it’s a little hard to make a “bad” pick by this point in the draft.

Kyle: Odd question but a 40 round draft would by definition at add at least 40 new players to an org. Does this mean +/-40 other players are usually out of a job every year around this time?
Klaw: Not an odd question but bear in mind lots of those picks don’t sign. I think usually 800-900 guys sign a year? Mayo or Callis would actually be better people to ask on that. But those signees fill out the GCL/AZL rosters and some of the short-season rosters.

Bob: Then I assume you would have been more vague about referencing Perez’s PED use if it had not already leaked all over place.
Klaw: I was still vague even when I knew for a fact that he’d tested positive. I still know more about it than I’ve said (as does everyone else, I’m not that special). But I spoke to our news desk about how to couch it and that’s what you’re getting from me.

Harrisburg Hal: Good rums…I’ve had a couple of the Appleton Estate varieties…what is your favorite (not more than $50/bottle)?
Klaw: I have Brugal Viejo in the house right now and it’s a damn fine rum. It will be used this weekend.

Klaw: That’s all for this week as I have a lot of writing to do, but thank you all for the questions today and yesterday, for reading all of my content and Eric’s too, and for your support and readership throughout the year. Look for those team by team draft recaps over the weekend.

Happy Draft Day! I have an updated first-round mock and an updated Big Board for Insiders.

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Klaw: On this battlefield, no one wins. Klawchat.

Ted: I know you’ve been concerned with Lewis’ swing and miss. Do you see a mechanical fix for it? I read that he never played baseball exclusively until Mercer. Is there a thought that he’s raw and could improve contact?
Klaw: Some is mechanical – you have to get rid of that high leg kick – and some is approach/pitch recognition. And he hasn’t faced good competition this spring, only last summer, so that’s an added concern.

Ryan: Victor Roache comp for Kyle Lewis. Legitimate comparison or a racially charged comp?
Klaw: Poor comparison but based on more than race – both Georgia kids at non-major D1 programs facing lower-caliber competition, both power over hit. Lewis is a better athlete and Roache’s swing was a disaster, full backside collapse with uphill path, no shot to hit a breaking ball. Ranked him as a third rounder on draft day, called it a huge overdraft when the Brewers took him. Lewis is a lot better than that.

Dave from Port Hope: Could injury concerns let Quantrill fall to Blue Jays at 21?
Klaw: Not about injury concerns but cost. He was 1-1 good before he had TJ.

Nick: Man, if Moniak had power and/or a projectable frame, he’d be an easy 1-1. How likely is it that he’ll hit more than 10 home runs a year in the bigs?
Klaw: Right now, current swing and body, below 50% chance of 10+ homers. No stride, narrow stance, short swing.

Banksy_: Is there any feasible way Groome gets to #8, and with the large bonus pool could the Padres be the floor for the HS lefty?
Klaw: Feasible way, yes. Padres would strongly consider at 8.

Nick: If Drew Mendoza doesn’t sign, could he potentially be in the mix for 1-1 in 2019?
Klaw: Not for me.

Jonathan: Assuming the Phillies go below slot at 1.1, who do you expect they will target at 2.1?
Klaw: It’s about who falls – for example, the Braves supposedly wanted Groome to fall to 40, but that’s not going to happen. So maneuvering doesn’t necessarily get you what you want. I think Kevin Gowdy gets down that far, and Joey Wentz likely gets down that far, but I wouldn’t want to stake my career on a specific guy being there at 42.

Dale: it seems that Jason Groome is falling out of favor? What do you think the reason is? I’m hoping he falls to A’s and they pick him over Nick Senzel. I’m thinking it’s not time for A’s to play it safe.
Klaw: Don’t think that’s quite true, but ongoing makeup questions and high bonus expectations have caused some teams up top to turn away from him. A’s could still take him but I think they take Senzel if there.

JQ in the hospital: If the Phillies pass on moniak with the first pick, what are the chances he falls to the Sox at 12?
Klaw: Based on what I’ve heard in the last few days, zero chance. Rutherford more likely to get there.

Nick: I’ve seen several sources say Seth Beer would have gone top 15 had he not graduated early. But other places didn’t rank him as highly as other prep bats. Where would he have gone if he stayed in HS?
Klaw: Absolutely not top 15. That’s nonsense. He would have mashed as a HS senior and been discounted heavily for being nearly 20.

John: Since you have Corey Ray and Jason Groome one two on your board does that mean regardless of who is drafting you would recommend Ray over Groome?
Klaw: Yes, that’s correct.

Andrew: Over/under: Angels are drafting their top 2 prospects today.
Klaw: There’s almost no doubt about it.

Kerry: Thoughts on Tyler Jay’s season so far? Is he the most promising arm in the Twins’ system?
Klaw: Been outstanding. Still amazes me that Illinois thought they were better off using him 1-2 innings a week than 6.

Banksy_: Who’s falling harder today, Delvin Perez or the creationist on your twitter page?
Klaw: The creationist. He devolved into fallacies and circular reasoning.

Keith: Your big board always seems to weight HS players with potential (and presumably a higher failure rate) more heavily than college (high floor) guys. Do most star players generally get drafted out of high school? I imagine professional training from the age of 18 has to be a big boost in development – but obviously, less of a “sure thing” than taking a 21 year old.
Klaw: That’s not true – it’s only true when that’s the draft class. My 2011 board was more college heavy and right now I think my 2017 board will be too.

Troubled (Cincinnati): No prospect is perfect, how much of Puk’s relative lack of athleticism and health issues a concern? Enough to push him out of the Top 4?
Klaw: Health issues? I know about delivery questions and lack of athleticism, but I think 4 is his floor.

scottie: Wil Myers as you predicted, is having a pretty good year so far. Do you think he might make the All Star Game/ Home Run Derby?
Klaw: Probably because San Diego is hosting the game.

Mark: Heard some at the “World Leader” suggesting that Puig could be on the way out of LA due to his unwillingness to be a grownup, opinion?
Klaw: His trade value is at an all-time low. They could have had the sun and moon for him 18 months ago, but now that everyone has seen he can’t turn on good fastballs any more, what’s his worth?

Mike: Non-draft question. Any reason to move Machado back to third? My untrained eye thinks he has played pretty well defensively at shortstop. I guess the only reason would be the Orioles don’t have another third baseman?
Klaw: No, especially since that bat at shortstop makes him a potential MVP.

Jon: Other than Rutherford, do you know of anyone else the Phillies may be trying to float down to 42?
Klaw: Rutherford is not getting to 42 either, according to #Sources.

Philip: Have you heard Padres connected to Nolan Jones at 24-25?
Klaw: Not especially but I know they like him and saw him particularly good the day I was there.

Zorak: What’s your take on Matt Thaiss and his ability to stay at Catcher? Is he an overdraft for the Mets in the first round if he’s destined to be a corner guy long term?
Klaw: Not a catcher. May not even get to their pick at 19. He can hit, one of the better hit tools in the college crop.

billjames: I see draft COVERAGE begins a 6et., But what time is the actual first pick happening? Trying to decide if I need to take off early. Thank KlAw
Klaw: 7 pm start, 7:05 first pick is in.

JG: Not that they should attempt this, but would there be a benefit to the Twins drafting Manning at #15, not being able to sign him, and then having a potentially similar draft pick next year in a “better” draft?
Klaw: This comes up every year and every year my answer is the same: No, it’s a bad idea. A player today is worth more than a player tomorrow, and that draft pick next year might be the next scouting director’s or the next GM’s. Don’t get cute – take the best player and sign him.

JDB: Where do you think Brandon Mcillwain would have ended up in this draft? How about Chad Holbrook throwing a FR 123 pitches up 20 runs.
Klaw: Top 25 pick. Don’t think I saw that but not surprised.

JR: What happened to Ronald Washington? His reclassification to 2016 was fairly major news, but I haven’t seen him mentioned in any draft previews or rankings.
Klaw: Just not that good. You could still hear him taken late tonight I guess but I don’t expect it.

Jon Weisman: Keith, I was at Stanford for the 1987 and 1988 College World Series and covered the 1988 title (with freshman Mike Mussina) in Omaha for the school paper. It was a thrilling time, and my respect for Mark Marquess then was unlimited. To be fair, I’m not tuned into the program nearly as well now, but without discounting what he accomplished, my reaction to his retirement news was relief. They’ve have very limited postseason success and questionable use of pitching arms for a long time now, it seems. Do you agree, and do you have a view of what can/should happen with the program going forward?
Klaw: I agree wholeheartedly. He has been a serial abuser of arms for about 20 years now, absolutely wearing out John Hudgins in Omaha around 2003, and his hitting ‘philosophy’ has ruined a lot of good hitting prospects by wrecking their swings. We’re talking about one of the best academic schools in the country, one of a very short list of great academic schools with major D1 baseball programs, and they’re the absolute last place I’d send a good high school prospect. They should look outside and consider guys from pro ball who understand the duality of college baseball – win and develop. I thought Ryan Garko was the perfect heir apparent but I guess he and Marquess didn’t work out.

Hey Mickey you’re so…: I know your mock draft is based upon what you hear from scouts, front offices, etc. and you’ve had Puk as the #1 pick for a few weeks now up until today. Can you give us any specific insight as to what you’ve learned that caused you to change this to Moniak?
Klaw: As you said, it’s what I heard last night. But I heard again this morning it might still be Lewis. The Phillies maintain that they have not come to a final decision yet. I believe them.

Kevin: You said on Twitter that you think the Padres’ return for Shields was good enough. Was that before or after you knew the exact $$ going back? It seems to me that for chipping in $31M they should’ve received a better prospect package back.
Klaw: Money was sunk anyway and he has not performed well at all even prior to last night.

EC: Any additional thoughts on Jordan McFarland, who you said could go to Nats at some point during the draft? Overslot deal?
Klaw: Not even a consideration for my top 100.

Jose G.: Wouldn’t the Braves be better off taking their top player on the board at 3 and trying to get Ian Anderson to slide to pick 40?
Klaw: He’s not sliding to pick 40. Zero shot. It’s perverse but actually more reasonable to take the lesser guy first (Dozier) and sign him under slot to pay the better guy later (Manaea).

EC: Remember last time a NJ HSer fell?
Klaw: Yes, but that was rather different. Trout was 17, never had a single makeup concern, and was signable everywhere.

Seattle: CJ Chatham a first rounder tonight?
Klaw: No, I don’t see that. I think he’s a third/fourth round talent. Not a true shortstop, not enough bat for second.

BD: How much of Funkhouser’s links to the Nats are the natural Boras/Nats link, and how much is it that he deserves to go around 28/29 or early 2nd?
Klaw: Doesn’t deserve to go tonight, but everyone’s assuming he’ll go to a team that likes Boras clients, such as the Nats. The running gag is that they’ll announce his signing the day they announce a Bryce Harper extension.

Nick: Have you heard the Mets in on any prep bats? Any chance Rutherford gets to them at 19?
Klaw: They’d consider him for sure but it’s very unlikely he gets there. Haven’t heard them on Jones. Don’t see another worthy prep bat there. Too high for Lowe.

Ryan Green: Thoughts on Gabby Guerrero, Jamie Westbrook and Mitch Haniger in AA Southern League?
Klaw: Fringe guys at best.

Alex: I think it would be an outstanding first round if the cardinals got Thaiss, Quantrill, and Craig. Is it possible? Please say yes
Klaw: No shot Thaiss gets to them.

Harrisburg Hal: Will you be chatting again tomorrow? It’s sort of become a draft tradition for me to look for your Friday chat where you “mention every team” that had a pick.
Klaw: Yes, that’s the plan at least.

James: Do you think putting cream in coffee are as egregious as putting ketchup on a good steak?
Klaw: I drink good coffee black without sweetener. If it’s bad coffee, I’ll doctor it to cover up the off taste.

Brett: What do you think of Anfernee Grier? Can he stick in center, and is he a .260 hitter with 20 homers?
Klaw: Sticks in center but his bat was exposed this spring once SEC play started. You can’t be that lost against breaking stuff and project as a big leaguer regular; picking him is a bet you can develop his pitch recognition, especially since he’s young for a college junior.

Rutherford, NJ: Hi Keith. I live five minutes from Secaucus. Is there any way I can attend the draft?
Klaw: I asked about this but it is closed to the public.

Drew: Errol Robinson is drafted in the ___ round. JB Woodman is drafted in the ___ round?
Klaw: 5th, 2nd. I’m not on either guy. Woodman has about a 3 hit tool. Robinson didn’t hit at all this spring and his fielding got worse.

Tim: Hey Keith, thanks for all your hard work the last couple months. You said earlier today Puk isn’t particularly polished and thus he’ll need a few years to hone his delivery – any insight to why the Reds would take the risk of an unpolished pitcher over a quality bat with a higher floor (like Ray or Senzel)? Is it simply just: Puk could be a dominant lefty starter – and those guys don’t grow on trees?
Klaw: Yes, that’s it, and who’s going to argue with taking a 6’6″ college lefty who’s 93-97? It’s as defensible a pick as there is.

addoeh: Why did Constantinople get the works?
Klaw: That’s nobody’s business but Andy Dirks’.

Dan: Is Almora behind the likes of Pillar and Kiermaier in any athletic/speed sense that could cap his defensive ceiling? I know he’s not especially fast, but I’m not sure how elite their speed is.
Klaw: He’s a below-average runner but has outstanding reads and instincts in center. He’s at least a 6 defender, probably a 7.

Banksy_: Give me a guy you really like outside the top 100 that has a chance to be picked higher than his ranking. I really like Jimmy Lambert, P Fresno State
Klaw: If I liked a guy that much he’d be on the 100. There were not 100 guys I felt good about this year.

Zika Control: I have a drainage ditch behind my house that’s full of water and has been for the 7 months we lived there. What should I do, contact the county for skeeters or take it upon myself to treat in. my wifes prego and I have a young girl.
Klaw: My faith in local government is low enough that I’d probably tackle it myself.

Matt: if you had to put a probability of Corey Ray going 1-1,
Klaw: I think it’s 5%.

addoeh: Cooper Johnson more likely to be drafted tomorrow instead of tonight?
Klaw: seems about right.

Corey: Possibility that Swihart’s ankle injury could keep him out the rest of the season. The Sox have messed this up pretty badly right ? Lost a trade chip, stunted his catcher development, lessened his value and lost his bat for some considerable time either way.
Klaw: Didn’t like the position juggling but can’t really blame him for the injury, can we?

Gary: Which Norcal prep comes off the board first: Jared Horn or Dylan Carlson?
Klaw: Horn unless he’s just priced himself out. I could see Atlanta popping him at 40.

Nick: Any reason you have the Mets passing on Will Craig twice after it seeming like they were all over him the last few weeks?
Klaw: Because they like other players more.

Sean: I noticed you’ve been reading short stories lately. Have you delved into any of the older masters of the class like Cheever? What about George Saunders?
Klaw: Cheever’s collection is on my to-be-read shelf. Read Tenth of December by Saunders last year; it was solid, not sure I’d rush for another collection of his.

Sean: There’s a lot of hand-wringing going on about use of lasers to position outfielders. What exactly is the problem, are people concerned with accidental retinal damage or just scared off by the futuristic sound of the word laser?
Klaw: I don’t see the problem. I guess it’s the debate between “if it’s not explicitly prohibited, it’s allowed” and “if it’s not explicitly allowed, it’s cheating.”

Corey: If not 100, how many guys in this draft do you see as being solid picks for where they will be taken?
Klaw: Based on the history of the draft, it’s probably 20-25, not considering guys who get a cup of coffee out of a late round (which would be a solid pick for the spot but only of academic interest to most of you).

Nick: Just looking at what Will Craig did to the ACC, I’m surprised he is only 45th on your big board. Is it just because is is 1B only?
Klaw: Plays 3b now, likely moves to 1b, didn’t face much good pitching at all this year, was awful on the Cape.

Vander: What are the chances the Reds pick either Rutherford or Moniak?
Klaw: Haven’t heard them with Rutherford once all spring.

Caleb: Best board game to introduce to a wife who doesn’t care for board games?
Klaw: Lost Cities and Jaipur are two good, light, two-player games.

Brian: At one point should someone seek help for anxiety? If you know you have strong anxiety but can manage it to the point of having a happy/successful life should you just keep living with it?
Klaw: If it’s hurting your quality of life in some way, get help. Therapy alone could make a real difference, and unlike medication it has no side effects (aside from cost, I suppose).

John (MN): Non draft question. Did the Twins really make a bad decision on Ortiz over a decade ago based on available data? Or are all the local columnists harping on it this week (Boston in town) exhibiting hindsight bias?
Klaw: I was with Toronto at the time and we thought it was a pennywise pound-foolish decision: they saw him as slightly overpriced, but maybe didn’t consider that he might have untapped value.

Banksy_: Whats Brandon Marsh’s range? top of round 2 reasonable?
Klaw: Yes, somewhere in the second is about right.

Phil: Hi Keith, long-time fan — you and Buster make paying for Insider a necessity. I’m a management consultant at a Big 4 looking to transition into working in baseball (I used to work for an agent in school, but he’s out of the game). Is networking the best way to get my foot in the door? Seems like a pretty tough nut to crack. Thanks and enjoy the draft!
Klaw: Networking is probably the only way. If you don’t know someone or have a connection, or didn’t play, it’s awfully hard to get started.

Jason Reynolds: I’m about 65% of the way through the opposite of a short story, Gravity’s Rainbow. I know you’ve commented on it in the past but I’m wondering have you read it and how long did it take you?
Klaw: I read it, took about three weeks, did not enjoy any aspect of it.

David: Not a draft question, but a scouting/mechanics one. Is it just me, or does Wil Myers barely use his lower half of his body at the plate? Is it just all upper body strength? That can’t be a great approach, right?
Klaw: Doesn’t use his legs enough at all, but he’s very strong, and there have been successful power hitters who’ve done that, like Frank Thomas.

Steve: I get that the Braves, Reds, and Phillies don’t know who exactly will fall to them. But it has to be terrifying to take a guy who isn’t your BPA at 1-3 in order to save cash for whatever happens to be there in the 40s. Seems like an extreme risk, and makes me suspicious that they have deals worked out with some of the guys they want in the 40s.
Klaw: I’m sure they have discussed the parameters of deals, but the problem is no one can guarantee that Joey Bagodonuts will last till pick 40 – for the Phillies, they have to get any such player past three Padres picks, three Dodgers picks, two Reds picks, and two Atlanta picks.

Marcus A.: Mariners have been tied to pretty much only college players. % chance that one of the top college bats (Ray, Senzel, Lewis) falls to them?
Klaw: As of right now I think zero percent chance.

Vinny: In response to your answer that only 20-25 guys end up truly being great picks….in other words, about 96% of all players drafted are essentially roster fillers.
Klaw: That’s how it ends up in time, but that’s certainly not the idea on draft day.

Carlos: I’ve seen you mention that Senzel has some pretty serious raw power that doesn’t show in games because of his approach. If that power were unlocked, what kind of player would we be looking at?
Klaw: A borderline MVP candidate. Average fielder at 3b with avg and power? Maybe an actual MVP candidate.

AN: Non-draft question about two Mets prospects if you don’t mind. Vinny Siena and David Thompson seem to be doing pretty well in A ball. Case of them being a little older for the league or are either worth getting a little excited about?
Klaw: Yes, 22 in low-A is ridiculous, no reason for them to be there. The Mets are weird about holding players back.

addoeh: Belated birthday greetings. You’re 21 in base 21. What was the filling in your birthday pie?
Klaw: Actually we went out to Cocina Lolo in Wilmington. I had ceviche, a pork carnitas taco (my daughter loves them but never finishes the plate of three), some elote, and a churro with caramel, ice cream, and hazelnuts.

Eric: Is Gavin Lux in the mix for the White Sox at 10?
Klaw: I have not heard this at all.

Chris: I know he is a ways off, but have you had a chance to see Dylan Cease pitch? Sounding like he has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm.
Klaw: He was on my top 100 this winter for this precise reason.

J: I’m getting alerts on my mlb at bat app that Joe DiMaggio has a hit streak going. How many games do you think he can keep it going?
Klaw: I doubt he can get past about 56 games.

Sean: Just saw on the twitter that Taillon has been optioned back to AAA. What could possibly be the reason for this?
Klaw: Off day Monday, won’t need a fifth starter again till the 18th, more time to decide whether to bump Nicasio to the pen.

Greyson: Has Derek Hill shown anything since being drafted to suggest they he will hit in the majors? His stat line suggests no, but that’s obviously not the whole story.
Klaw: Swing is still good, but he’s just not getting stronger like he should. He’s also 20 years old with only 600 pro PA, so I’m not giving up on him.

Ken: Probability of the A’s taking Groome?
Klaw: If Senzel is gone, high. If Senzel is there, zero.

Ebeneezer: What do you find more exciting: the buildup to the draft, or that the draft will eventually be over and life will return to normal?
Klaw: The latter. This draft has been particularly tiring because of the lack of a clear 1-1 or even top 2-3 guys.

James: Why is Trea Turner still in Triple A, keith
Klaw: Because Danny Espinosa’s .276 OBP (without IBB) is too valuable to bench.

Doug: Time to pay attention to Michael Gettys? Or just the result of repeating low A Fort Wayne?
Klaw: Repeating the level and still striking out a quarter of the time.

Ryan: Delvin Perez – How does the PED test result affect the scouting reports?
Klaw: The biggest concern is the newfound power he showed this spring. I don’t see how that would affect our valuation of his defense. I could see an argument that he might not be a 7 runner when clean, but I think that’s less compelling. The hit tool is what it is – I have never seen any real argument that steroids changed that.

Ty: From time to time I see you make somewhat obscure hair metal refrences. Did you really like that shit?
Klaw: As a teenager? Of course. Everyone around me did. Hair metal and strong island hip hop.

Ben: I know you’ve been high Austin Meadows, is this torrid streak in AA mark his ascendency to the top of prospect lists?
Klaw: Seems like he’s finally healthy after the eye injury, so yes, I’m buying.

Marcus A.: So no Senzel, Lewis or Ray for the Mariners, any chance they would take Blake Rutherford if he lasts until 11? I know that Justin Dunn is exciting in his own way, I just balk at his limited track record as a starter.
Klaw: That doesn’t bother me. He developed pretty late. I guess you could argue he’s more enticing for having been lightly used.

Nick, Boston: If Perez haddnt failed his test and didnt start to drop, where would he rank on your big board? Just on pure talent/potential alone
Klaw: He was third on my previous board.

Quentin: At which pick do you predict that you will hear the first name that you don’t recognize at all? On a similar note, has there ever been a big leaguer that you were completely unaware of until you heard his name on draft day?
Klaw: Big leaguer? I don’t think so. Today, probably somewhere in the middle of the second round. Maybe sandwich, if someone cuts a deal.

Tim: Know you mentioned Tyler Mahle (not close to your top 100) as a potential dark horse – that looks like a smart choice, no? How many 21 yr olds from the 7th round get to AA this fast?
Klaw: I thought he was still in high-A, but yeah, he’s progressed extremely well, great pick by the Reds there.

Karl: Do you see David Dahl being an All-Star level player or will he be a “nice” player with decent numbers mostly inflated by the home ballpark?
Klaw: Closer to the former. All-Star ability, not an All-Star approach at the plate, and of course he’s had a lot of unfortunate injury troubles.

BD in ATL: Over/under on # of picks you get right? 5? Seems like it is almost an impossible task.
Klaw: My daughter asked me this last night. I told her even 1/4 right (so about 8) would be a huge win. I am not expecting to get to that this year.

Banksy_: How many overslot deals can the Padres afford given their budget. I know it depends on how far over they go, but could you see them going with overslot guys at 8, 24, 25 then taking under- and senior signs?
Klaw: They could, although I think they may mix in one slot guy in those top three.

Nick: Any reports on how Nimmo has looked this season? Stat line looks better, but hard to assess playing in LV.
Klaw: No reports, as I’m still in draft mode, but he’s basically the same guy hitting away from Vegas – no power, and can’t play CF, so extra OF.

Tim: Good chance that 1-1 will get leaked before 7pm tonight? Gotta assume the Phillies get a deal done before then (and probably the Reds too).
Klaw: Yes, although it might be at 6:55. We’ll all find out – stuff like that tends not to stay secret.

JP: How does Colby Bortles project as a draft prospect?
Klaw: Not well. I saw Ole Miss two games in Hoover but there’s not much there for pro ball. Good college team, but those two don’t always mean the same thing.

Geno: If the Pirates do draft Burdi, would you expect to see him in the bullpen by the end of the year?
Klaw: Yes, but I think they pass and he goes to the White Sox.

Sean: Do you have any thoughts on Y Ventura? Should the Royals try to ship him out or try to fix him?
Klaw: I think his act is tired. Cut the crap and pitch better. If he doesn’t show results, the Royals need to shop him or try him in the bullpen.

Sean: I’ve been following baseball for a decade and have no idea what slot/underslot/overslot means at all. Is there a website with a simple primer on how it all works?
Klaw: Each pick in the draft now has an assigned slot value in dollars. MLB’s draft order page shows them. Each team then has a total bonus pool amount for all of its picks in the top ten rounds combined. If you go over slot in one pick, you’ll have to go under slot somewhere else to avoid going over your total pool amount and incurring penalties. Up to 5% over is just a tax. More than that and you lose your first pick next year, which no one has done to date. (It would make sense to do so when you planned to surrender one or two high picks to sign free agents the subsequent offseason.) A player may take an under slot deal when he’s drafted higher than expected, or is a college senior, or lacks a serious college commitment. A player may demand an over slot deal when he’s got strong leverage, like a commitment to a great baseball or academic school, or when he’ll be eligible in two years rather than three, like Blake Rutherford will be.

Chris: You talk about music quite a bit and profess to be a fan of heavy metal, but I rarely if ever see you mention bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, Sevendust, Trivium, Five Finger Death Punch and the like. Curious if you have any thoughts on the current state of the hard rock genre.
Klaw: Not a fan of any A7F, Sevendust, or my God that is such a stupid name. Trivium’s not bad, just a little clinical for my tastes.

Geno: You were understandably reluctant to put Taillon on your 100 at the start of the year. Would he be there now? Would he be ahead of Glasnow?
Klaw: Yes, Taillon was on my top 25 update two weeks ago, still behind Glasnow due to ceiling but more major-league ready.

Jason Reynolds: He’s not a clear 1-1 guy but Puk sure looks the part. Dang he’s big
Klaw: Yes, which I think is part of the appeal, but also could be part of the risk – those are some long levers to coordinate and his lower and upper halves are not always in sync, which is why his fastball lacks good plane despite his height and extension.

Larry: Please clarify your concern about overuse of amateur pitchers–do you contend that the pitcher’s prospects for a college/professional career are irrelevant to whether the use is abuse? I suggest that an amateur with no prospect of pitching at the next level should be treated differently–i.e., chance to win high school state title or advance in college playoffs is worth the marginal additional risk of injury. FYI: I’m 41 and my arm hurts sometimes, but the pain is worth what caused it.
Klaw: A non-prospect’s ligaments are unaware of his non-prospect status. He can still suffer serious injury, require surgery, need expensive and time-consuming rehab, and encounter complications. (We shouldn’t treat surgery so cavalierly; you can go in for a routine operation and walk out with a MRSA infection.) These are very real consequences that are independent of whether the kid intends to pitch again after the current game or season.

nfh: Avery Tuck – star potential if everything goes right?
Klaw: Hard to see that. He’s just a good athlete, very little present feel for the game. Let him go to college and see if he develops as a player.

Joey Bagodonuts: Every year in these chats you mention me getting drafted, and every year my phone remains silent for 3 straight days. Maybe this will be the year!!!
Klaw: We’ll all be pulling for you, Joey.

Klaw: That’s all for today’s chat, but I will try to chat tomorrow around the same time. Look for me in the background on MLB Network’s draft coverage tonight – I’m going to try to make Jim Callis crack a smile – and of course on Twitter and on ESPN.com with reactions over the course of the evening. Thanks again for all of your questions!

Starting at 1 pm today. Questions go in the frame below, NOT in the comments.

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Klaw: You’d better learn your lesson well. Klawchat.

TJ: Im new to this, so I do not know if you have answered this before; but with John Coppolella and his endless pursuit of pitching, in your opinion what is the chance the braves end up going Groome or Pint?
Klaw: I have a mock up today that has them taking Groome, but I know they are also seriously considering several college bats. I don’t think they have decided, as you might be implying, that they’re taking an arm no matter what.

Chris: Hi Keith, thanks for the chats. Does Harrison Bader’s performance in Double A, coupled with last year’s performance in A ball, earn him a spot in top 100 lists if they were rewritten today?
Klaw: Not on mine. Can’t speak to anyone else’s.

Nick: Seth Beer slashed .372/.532/.686 with 16 bombs. More importantly, he struck out 24 times compared to 57 walks. Is he a (very) early 1-1 candidate for 2018?
Klaw: I’d call him a high first-round candidate. Don’t see a lot of bat-only corner guys going 1-1. The last college outfielder to go 1-1 was Darin Erstad, a centerfielder (Beer is not), in 1995. Pat Burrell was 1-1 in 1998 but was drafted as a 3b, or at least had been one. I don’t know about Rick Monday in 1965 but since then there hasn’t been a college LF or RF going 1st overall.

Justin: I know you have mocked a HS for the Jays in some of your mocks but there seems to be a sense that Shapiro wants to go the “safe” college route? Have you heard the Jays prefer college guys over HS guys and does this follow a typical Shapiro draft strategy?
Klaw: No I have not heard that. If I had, I would have had them taking a college player.

Anonymous: Haven’t heard much about Anfernee Grier but he’s been projected to be at least a sandwich round pick for months. Seems toolsy & hit well at Auburn. What do you have on him?
Klaw: Stopped hitting so well once SEC conference play began. Can’t recognize breaking stuff at all. Good athlete, only 20, still a lot of upside there, but he’s not a very advanced hitter.

Cape Cod: Beede a 1-hitter yesterday. Any change in your evaluation or does he still have FB command issues
Klaw: The 1-hitter doesn’t change anything (one game couldn’t do that). He still has command issues, and while the velocity’s back because he’s not throwing sinkers any more, he’s also a bit of a flyball guy now.

Dan: Hey Keith – is this what you thought Brandon Belt would eventually become? He seems to have really changed his approach this year. Strikeouts are way down, walks are way up. Maybe he’s not eating at Olive Garden as much…
Klaw: Whatever he’s eating I wouldn’t change it. This is the player I always thought he’d be. I had him as a top 20 prospect at one point because I thought he’d have patience and power and play at least average defense at first.

Dan: I seem to recall you had good things to say about Austin Slater at the time of the draft. He’s splitting time at LF and CF. What’s his MLB outlook? The stats look good, but he also wasn’t young for AA.
Klaw: I thought he could hit, then he didn’t hit that well last year and didn’t look good in Fall League. If this little power spike continues, I’ll buy into him as a regular.

Anonymous: Keith, What are your thoughts on taking TJ patients in early rounds (1-3)? Someone like Kyle Serrano could be an upside play for a team with multiple picks searching for a slight injury discount
Klaw: I have no issue with taking TJ guys that early, but Serrano is a 6′ RHP who doesn’t throw strikes. That’s not the guy I’d take. Quantrill, sure. Luzardo, perhaps. Those guys might be impact starters.

Joseph: If vaccines don’t cause injuries, why is there a vaccine court?
Klaw: Because lawyers. Vaccines are not very profitable for pharmaceutical companies, and the threat of lawsuits – which are seldom decided on the basis of science – in the 1980s meant we might not have any companies willing to manufacture vaccines. Congress set up what is essentially a no-fault vaccine ‘court’ to compensate people who claimed they were injured by vaccines (with a non-scientific standard of evidence) and then granted manufacturers immunity from lawsuits. The move has likely saved millions of lives, because otherwise vaccines would either have become scarce or become much more expensive.

Brian: In regards to Jeff Bannister’s refusal to play Joey Gallo over Prince Fielder last week and his apparent determination to ride his best 4 bullpen arms into the ground before the All-Star break, are we watching Ron Washington 2.0 (i.e. I don’t care what the stats say, those are my guys).
Klaw: I doubt he does that without some kind of consent from the front office. As a group, the Rangers don’t appear ready to give up on Fielder, even though he appears to be done.

Chip: For lunch today I’m having grilled cheese (American cheese on white bread) and Oreos all in your honor. #culinartist
Klaw: God I hope the Oreos are not actually in the grilled cheese.

Steve: Should I have any confidence that the Phillies will get an overslot-ish type of guy at #42? I wasn’t convinced the last regime really understood the system.
Klaw: That’s their plan. Whether it works depends a bit on who falls to that spot, which I’m finding very hard to predict (and so are the Phillies).

Don: More difficult read: Gravity’s Rainbow or Infinite Jest?
Klaw: Gravity’s Rainbow. Infinite Jest is long and tortuous. Gravity’s Rainbow is long and torturous.

Pat: With the seeming ability of certain pitching coaches to consistently restore pitcher value, why wouldn’t a big market team just steal a Ray Searage or Don Cooper away with a big $$ contract? With even mediocre starters requiring $10 million+ a year, it seems the value of a top pitching coach could be $5-10 million a year or more. Add in that the pitching coach salary doesn’t count against the luxury tax& it seems like a team like Detroit that is constantly looking/signing big $$ pitchers (& failing) would use a different approach.
Klaw: I think these guys are quietly getting more and more money, as are top GMs. They’re all still underpaid relative to the value they (the good ones) deliver, though.

ExposForever: Can Jorge Mateo hit 20 HRs in New York?
Klaw: I don’t think he can hit 20 HRs anywhere.

CJ: Which player would you be least surprised falls more than expected due to bonus demands and eventually doesn’t sign? Appel and Bickford come to mind as two past examples.
Klaw: Matt Manning, Braxton Garrett, Kevin Gowdy, in that order.

Bill: What are the odds Rutherford is available at 42? Saw this mentioned as a possibility in your mock.
Klaw: Maybe 20%? I suppose that, since he’s 19 and thus would be draft-eligible as a college sophomore, he could just decline to sign if offered less than he wants and say he’ll go back in the draft in 2018.

Andy: Hey, I know you’ve been paying more attention to the draft, but since last Tuesday, Prince Fielder is 4 for 32 with 2 walks and 1 XBH, while starting every game at DH. Meanwhile, Joey Gallo has equaled those numbers in the last 3 days in Round Rock. Oh, and Profar will likely go back to the minors when Odor’s suspension is done. If they end up losing the division by a couple games, I’m sure no one will correlate any of these things.
Klaw: I talked about this on ESPN radio in Dallas yesterday. It’s absolutely hurting the major-league team right now.

Steven: What happened to Nolan Jones? From 12 to out of the first round? If it’s not an oversight, would the Rangers be interested in him at 30? They love HS guys with a bunch of potential.
Klaw: I don’t do “oversights.” It’s because he is expected to command a large signing bonus. He could still end up going in the top 15, or get paid well over slot in the sandwich round, or end up in school and vie for 1-1 in three years.

Kelly: Have you seen or heard many reports about Matt Cleveland from Windsor, CT? I coach in the same high school conference. I know he’s highly regarded by some, but it sounded like his performance was very up and down this year. Thanks!
Klaw: I heard it was down all year and that he wasn’t someone to consider for my rankings.

Patrick: I’ve heard people throw around Kyle Schwarber comps for Zack Collins. Lazy comparison since they are both high quality college hitters with little to chance to stick behind the plate, or is there something to it?
Klaw: Lazy comparison for me.

Paul: KLaw – as always, thanks for all the great draft coverage and chats. I have a feeling you’ll get this question from more than just me, since we Braves fans have really shifted our focus from the big league club to prospects and the draft. Have you heard specific names the Braves are linked to at 40 and 44? My personal dream scenario is Corey Ray, Joey Wentz, and Will Benson.
Klaw: I don’t think that happens. I’ve heard a bunch of names – mentioned Matt Dietz in a previous mock – but I think you’re aiming too high.

Eric: What are your thoughts on Alex Speas? His potential seems super intriguing – think there’s any shot the Mets pop him at 31?
Klaw: He’s not their kind of guy at all. Great arm and body. Zero command. Like, couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn at times.

Aaron Cameron: Is “league-average starter” a realistic upside for A’s AAA farmhand Daniel Mengden?
Klaw: Fair. Maybe a tick optimistic.

Sean S: Keith, With the Tigers just having the one pick in the first 3 rounds are you sensing that they’re being conservative with that pick? Picking Hudson there seems to point that way. I am interested in seeing the new regime in action
Klaw: Don’t think they’re being conservative since I’ve said they’ll take Pint if he gets there.

Jordan: I know Devers is young compared to his competition, but at what point do his struggles concern you?
Klaw: Probably never, since he’s making plenty of contact.

Jay: Is Soroka on a top 100 list right now?
Klaw: No. Remember how many people thought I should have had Austin Riley on my top 100 last winter because of his good stats in August?

JJ: How many acts of God really need to happen for Moniak to really slide to #12?
Klaw: Maybe three. I doubt it happens. But what’s weird is that I hear Moniak a lot at 1 and 4, and then very little at 6 onward. Maybe some teams just assume he’s gone and haven’t bothered, but when I saw Moniak live two weeks ago there were all of maybe eight scouts there.

Santos: My biggest pet peeve is when a broadcaster says Guy with highest batting average is leading the league in HITTING. No question, just wanted to tell someone.
Klaw: The guy didn’t win the “batting title,” he won the “batting average title.”

Mike: What’s your feeling on over working a high school or college pitcher who is a non-prospect? If a pitcher has no professional future and wants to “gut it out” do you give him (and his coach) a pass?
Klaw: No, because he can still get hurt, lose range of motion or flexibility, require expensive surgery, face complications, and so on. Your tendons don’t know you’re a non-prospect.

Michael: Why doesn’t the NCAA institute mandatory pitch count restrictions?
Klaw: They’re too busy making sure some reserve linebacker at South Carolina State actually paid for his Big Mac.

T Hagz: Have you heard anything about Allard with the braves? Is he still in extended spring? I thought he was going to be called up to A ball in May
Klaw: Still in extended, which ends this upcoming week I believe.

Marcos: How strongly can recency bias impact where someone gets drafted? Do the last few looks a scout gets at someone carry a lot of weight?
Klaw: Yes but I wouldn’t call it recency bias – for a pitcher, especially, you want to be sure he’s fully healthy and also not wearing down.

Fitzy: Any thoughts on Ron Fowler’s tirade? Seems rather silly to blame the players and not the suits.
Klaw: Totally inappropriate. Keep that stuff internal.

Billy Pilgrim: Would you rather go Groome @ 3 and hope a prep bat like Rutherford or Benson falls to 40, or go Ray/Lewis @ 3 and get prep arm at 40?
Klaw: I would take Ray or Groome. Then just take the best players who fall to 40/44, without regard to who I took at 3. Just grab all the talent you can.

Hinkie: Hi Keith … Phillies fan here. Have you any knowledge of the difference in signing demands between Puk at 1.1 and Moniak at 1.1 ?
Klaw: No and I don’t expect to. Also, I really do not believe they’re taking Moniak at 1.

Jon: You mentioned Wentz and Nolan Jones as dropping due to asking price. Do you have a ballpark as to what they may be asking?
Klaw: I don’t think either has put out a dollar figure yet.

Jay: Thought on Max Povse? Doing really well in A+, is this a case of an older guy carving up hitters or does he have MOR upside?
Klaw: Yeah, don’t think he’s a future starter.

Adam: Would you go over slot for Matt Manning?
Klaw: Yes, but I’d go over slot for a lot of guys. The draft is still a screaming bargain for impact talent.

jon: if Groome and lewis are available do the braves go bat? I don’t see how the could pass on groome, and find they value pint more seems off
Klaw: They don’t value Pint over Groome, if that’s what you’re saying. I think they’d take Groome, obviously, but I don’t think that’s decided yet.

MAddon: Is DJ Lemahieu now a legit MLB player or a product of the thin air in CO? The Cubs gave him away for nothing.
Klaw: Colorado. I mean, home/road splits don’t tell the whole story, but he’s hit .254/.295/.327 in his career on the road. That gets you released.

Joe: In general, how much do teams put stock in Cape league? I’m sure it differs from team but I’m curious with someone like Lewis who performs well but faces less competition in his division.
Klaw: For Lewis it essentially made him a top 20 pick, maybe even made him a top 10 pick. It’s a wood bat league and for Lewis better competition than what he faces in the SoCon.

Paul: The local sport radio blog suggested the Red Sox taking Burdi at #12 with the hope he could help out the struggling bullpen this year instead of going the trade route. Do you think this is a realistic option?
Klaw: I think it’s ridiculous.

Chip: What are the chances UVA’s top pitching commits will ever get to learn “the squat”? They usually get their guys on campus
Klaw: I think they force all their guys to learn it. And so far it seems to have failed to produce a single big-league starter – but it might have ruined a few arms.

Nick: Do you think Will Craig stick at 3B for 3-5 years?
Klaw: No. Arm is there, but that’s it.

Jake: Eloy Jimenez or Victor Robles ?
Klaw: Robles right now – more polished, more dynamic, stays in the middle of the field. Eloy’s pretty damn good, though. I liked his swing when I saw him a year ago.

Hinkie: Is it more realistic to think Rutherford (as you mentioned today) slides to the Phillies at #42 or one of the HS arms? If it’s an arm, could Ian Anderson or even Riley Pint be the guy ?
Klaw: Arms. There are more of them in this draft, and they are seen as riskier to begin with. Pint ain’t getting past 9, though. And I hear Anderson won’t get past the Yanks, but there are other scenarios where they end up with someone better than Anderson anyway.

Dave: It has always been Ray Montgomery’s MO to draft the best available player. So if they were to pick Lowe with that pick wouldn’t that be somewhat odd for him?
Klaw: It would be the first time since he became a scouting director that I strongly disagreed with his team’s first pick. It happens.

Chris: Two A’s prospects lighting it up this year are Daniel Gossett and Ryon Healy. Either one of them project as anything special at the MLB level?
Klaw: Gossett’s legit. Saw him in spring training and wrote about him.

David: Your mock notes that Puk has a great shot at going #2 if Philly passes – does that mean they could more easily convince Kyle Lewis to take a below slot deal (6M) and have 4.5M to give someone like Rutherford at pick 42?
Klaw: Probably, but again, I don’t know this for sure and don’t want to give you the wrong impression. It’s logical.

N: Who was the first team who actually made a bad decision at the time by not drafting Trout?
Klaw: The only team ahead of the Angels who I know for sure had Trout in their decision set was Oakland. I think I wrote it at the time, too. They chose to take Grant Green, figuring he was more major-league ready.

Dave: Thoughts on how the Brewers are handling Josh Hader, he hasn’t thrown more than 90 pitches in a start and now they plan to limit his innings. Seems like a strange way to develop a starting pitcher who is 22 years old.
Klaw: Well his delivery is not a great one for a starter and I wonder if they consider the arm action a potentially risky one, so they’re trying to avoid having him pitch while fatigued at all.

Jon: Remember Stetson Allie and his heater? How much different is Riley Pint to the now converted to first baseman Allie?
Klaw: Allie has more in common with Speas than Pint. Pint doesn’t have command. Allie didn’t have control.

Tim: You seem lower on Logan Shore than others, with him at 69 (nice) on the Big Board. Is that a profile preference (ranking high floor guys lower than high ceiling) or are you not buying his floor as a back-end Major Leaguer who could be in the bigs 12 months from now?
Klaw: His floor is that he gets smoked in AA and never gets any further. It’s not a major-league average fastball and he doesn’t have an average breaking ball. Marco Gonzales came out of Gonzaga with better stuff and he didn’t do what you described.

Eric: You mentioned in your mock that the White Sox are recently on Collins. Would that be with the idea of going under-slot and using that money on high school talent that falls?
Klaw: Doubt it. Collins isn’t getting past 12, so why would he take well under slot at 10?

David: Alec Hansen has performed better of late – does the stuff match the improving box scores?
Klaw: No. I heard he was mostly 90-92 at the big 12.

Michael: My friend’s son didn’t start pitching until his Freshman year. He’s now a Junior and is 6’6″, 240 pounds, fairly fit and throws around 88. He has offers from three SEC schools right now. Is he a dime a dozen or someone that would be expected to go in the first 10 rounds?
Klaw: 240 pounds and sitting 88 is not a great pro profile. You couldn’t call him projectable, given his size/weight. I think he’d have to throw harder as a senior to be in line for, say, a couple hundred grand.

Greg: Wait, so a guy like Dietz is what we should be expecting Atlanta to go overslot with at 40? Woof. That’s pretty disappointing for having such a huge draft pool.
Klaw: No, I mentioned that as one name I know they particularly like. The truth is I don’t know who gets to 40/44 and neither does Atlanta right now.

Jeff: Espinosa still cannot hit but has been good on D at SS. Would you bring up Turner now, or at this point does his good offense and mediocre defense cancel out?
Klaw: Isn’t Turner up today? He’s clearly better than Espinoza. Holding him down for service-time reasons was foolhardy.

Kevin: Keith, Oregon pitcher questions. Matt Krook still a top-five round pick? Could Cole Irvin and Stephen Nogosek go that high too.
Klaw: Krook maybe fourth/fifth, but given healthy history I think he could get past that. Neither of the others seems like a great bet to go that high either.

Jon: When do you see Kyle Funkhouser getting drafted this year?
Klaw: Third round. He’ll never see the $2 million-plus he turned down last year.

Chris: Keith, thanks for the chats and the variety of topics. As someone that struggles with anxiety, your transparency with your own struggles has been very helpful and an inspiration. Living in the Seattle area, Christian Jones (Federal Way) is the player that gets the most attention. Do you see him in the round 3-5 range? Are there any other players in the state of Washington that intrigue you or you are hearing buzz on?
Klaw: I didn’t have anyone from the northwest in my top 100 at all. Worst year I can remember up there.

fats: Aaron Sanchez changing your mind yet? Looking like a starter all the way
Klaw: Remember I had Sanchez as a top 20 prospect once, as a future #1 or #2 starter, before someone changed his delivery. So your question is really inaccurate.

Joe: Do you actually believe that nobody compensated by the vaccine court was actually injured by a vaccine? You’re as bad as anti-vaxers if that is true. It is rare, but it happens.
Klaw: Straw man. There are things like Guillain-Barre Syndrome that are extremely rare side effects of certain flu vaccines (and also of the flu). GBS is also a side effect of Zika, if that disease weren’t already scary enough.

Zach: You won’t say but I will. This is the player you said Mookie would be from day 1. Although you didn’t have him pegged as an all world right fielder, so I guess you’re not that good
Klaw: I don’t think I had Mookie as a 30 HR bat either. I can’t take much credit there.

Jason in Detroit: Hi Keith. Thanks for the chat. Fulmer has looked like he’s taken a step forward in his last couple starts. Too soon to say, or is he progressing?
Klaw: The last few starts he’s looked more like the guy I saw in Lakeland in March. Maybe he just needed a little confidence and a routine.

Santos: What does MOR stand for?
Klaw: Middle Of Rotation. Or model order reduction but I don’t think the question was about applied math.

Mark: The Mets best option right now is prob calling up Dilson to play 2b and move Walker to 3b, no? I dont get this insistence on playing Flores and keeping these atrocious backups like Reynolds and Kelly around.
Klaw: Yes but doesn’t it seem like they’ve lost faith in Herrera?

Lute: This time last year some people were talking 1-1 for Dalbec and then he shit the bed. Does he go back to school or take whatever he’s offered in round 20?
Klaw: OK, anyone who was talking 1-1 on him last spring or summer was out of his or her mind. He was NEVER that kind of prospect. If he’d hit some, he could have been a first-rounder, but his hit tool has always been a question mark. I think he’d be better off going back to school if someone doesn’t offer him, say, top 3 rounds money.

Alex: Delvin Perez is working out for the White Sox today. Have you heard them on him at 10 at all?
Klaw: I’ve heard him sliding and now teams after the Padres are revisiting him when earlier it seemed like he wouldn’t get that far.

Bob: Was that poor guy, Donnie Everett, going to be a significant prospect? Man, things can happen so fast.
Klaw: I had him as a first-round talent in last year’s draft, but I feel like that’s irrelevant right now. I feel for his family and for the teammates he was with who must be dealing with enormous guilt on top of their grief right now.

Elton: I was surprised to see Kinsler is almost at 50 career WAR with his strong start this year. If he ages gracefully and reaches 60-65 WAR is he a HOFer for you?
Klaw: No, because he really never had a HoF peak. I don’t think a straight WAR total tells the whole story, unless it’s someone with, say, 28 WAR, which shouldn’t even get you a free ticket into the museum.

Randy: Is Hendricks smoke and mirrors or could you see him now as a #3 or #4?
Klaw: Not smoke and mirrors, better than I thought, also benefiting a lot from the Cubs’ defensive work and some tweaks from the coaching staff. He’s matured into a very different pitcher than he was at the time of the trade.

Jay: Klaw. I’m going to cape cod in a week and want to catch a cape cod league game… Off the top of your head who are some potential high picks there this year to watch?
Klaw: No idea – I haven’t even looked. Just pick a game and go enjoy it. The atmosphere is wonderful.

Bob: Casey Gillaspie a future all star 1b?
Klaw: I’d take the under on that, but he has reestablished himself as a legitimate prospect, at least a near-term everyday player.

Nick: Very small sample size for Hyun-Soo Kim I know (70 abs) but it’s looking pretty bad that Buck buried him based on a bad spring training for a rule 5 guy who is negative WAR while Kim is sporting a .450 OBP
Klaw: Not just buried him, humiliated him in the press. I don’t understand why Buck gets a free pass on stuff like that or messing up Gausman’s delivery or all the stuff that went down with his handpicked pitching coach Rick Adair and Jake Arrieta. Buck does some things very, very well. He also has made some significant mistakes that deserve greater scrutiny.

Caleb: Are the Cards mostly in on college players?
Klaw: I have not heard that.

Xander Boegarts: Is it still to early to be thinking about my HOF speech?
Klaw: With your accent I would gladly drive umpteen hours to go hear this.

Adam: How much of a lock do you think Manning to the Padres at 8 is?
Klaw: I don’t think anything in my mock draft this morning was a lock. They could take Perez or Garrett or surprise me entirely.

Nick: Are there many high round high schoolers that completely avoid there showcases and all star clubs and just play the high school season? I’m thinking potential 2 sport guys maybe.
Klaw: Football guys nearly always skip the summers – I think Taylor Trammell was one. Also Riley Pint’s dad had him pitch just twice last summer after he did too much stuff the prior summer.

Kyle: This is the third year I’ve asked this? Who is your next breakout prospect who will fly up the rankings. A couple years ago you mentioned Gregory Polanco, and several years back Oscar Taveras.
Klaw: Ke’Bryan Hayes, Eloy Jimenez, Junior Fernandez.

Joey: Who makes a bigger impact this season: Glasnow or Taillon?
Klaw: I think Taillon because I believe he comes up first.

Tom: Quick verdict on Quadropolis? Play Karuba yet? If not, highly recommended.
Klaw: Only played Quadropolis once so far. We liked it. Not familiar with Karuba.

James: Good afternoon, Keith! With concern over pitcher arms growing every year, is it conceivable that we might enter a “golden age of knuckleballs” within the next decade? Between the deception and ease of stress on the arm, it seems like a not-so-terrible idea to have more stalled prospects and/or struggling pros at least try to develop a knuckler.
Klaw: It’s not that easy to develop a knuckler.

Jesse: I know Bo Bichette Performed well at the Citi field expedition. Is he on the mets radar at all?
Klaw: I haven’t heard that, at least not at 19, but 31 is about the high end of where I think he’ll go. I like him a bit more than the industry; he’s calmed down his swing since his junior year, and he’s really not like his brother at all, better athlete, better defender, less uphill swing.

Ron: The Sano experiment in RF has to end like very soon in Minnesota right? Move him to 3B and get rid of Plouffe for whatever.
Klaw: Not sure Sano at 3b is going to be any prettier.

Elton: Just out of curiosity: Utley has had a superficially similar but somewhat better career than Kinsler and with a higher peak. HOFer?
Klaw: I would vote for Utley well before considering voting for Kinsler.

Tim: I see Cody Reed made a jump from 54 to 24. His showing in AAA thus far improve his ceiling or his floor in your mind?
Klaw: He’s maintained his performance and his control even against much better competition – this time last year he had just been promoted out of high-A – and I’ve heard his fastball command has improved as well.

Jesse: When you say a team is mostly in on college players. Is it because that’s where they see the best players where they pick. Want lower floor? or something different?
Klaw: I’m literally just giving you what I’ve heard. It means I’ve heard they specifically want a college player, or that the only players I’ve heard connected to them are college players (N > 1, of course).

Karl: What does Gallo need to do to get called up and stay up? Also what do the Rangers do with Profar once Odor returns? Thanks for the work you do.
Klaw: At some point they’re going to have to turn the page on Fielder and play one of those two guys. I’d have Profar DH and sit Fielder, rotating Profar into the field from time to time to spell Andrus and/or Odor.

Taylor: Who is the genuinely nicest person you work with on Baseball tonight? Tim Kurkjen seems like he’d be a really decent person. Just wondering.
Klaw: Yeah, Tim has 80 nice.

Jeff: How do you scout a knuckleballer?
Klaw: You put the radar gun and the notebook down and you enjoy the game.

Doug: Renfroe’s start garnering him any consideration to re-enter the top 100 prospects list?
Klaw: No, he’s the same player he was, now in a great hitting environment, walking once every never. Good tools. Might just be a 45 bat, which makes him a big leaguer but not a star. Hoping he’s not just a 40 bat.

Matt: Do you have a prediction on who you think will win the SEC/ACC Challenge….I mean, the CWS?
Klaw: I’m pulling for Florida a bit just because that team is so good, O’Sullivan handles his players well (he understands the goal is pro ball for a lot of those kids), and they are the best program I can think of that has never won the College World Series. That’s not so much a prediction, but with a staff like theirs maybe it is.

Klaw: That’s all for this week. Thank you for all of your questions and for reading. Next week’s chat schedule might be a little wonky because I’m going to attend the draft in person in Secaucus, but I will keep everyone posted. Have a good weekend.

Starting a little after 11 am. Questions go in the frame below, not in the comments.

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Klaw: The in-crowd say it’s cool to dig this chatting thing. Klawchat.

Alex: Where do you expect Kyle Lewis to go? I still wonder if the Mercer part of things might make some of the teams at the top hesitant as the draft gets closer.
Klaw: I still think he goes 1 or 2, but I tend to agree with your point of view. We haven’t seen him face good pitching all spring and he still swings and misses a bit. But he also hit a monster homer at the Greenville Drive’s stadium over the batter’s eye the other day, so if you want to roll the dice on big power he’s your guy.

Brian: Any new buzz on Atlanta at 3?
Klaw: Nothing new on the top 3-4 teams. About the only really new thing is that it seems like Corey Ray is without a clear landing spot right now.

Philip: Does Matt Manning have huge bonus demands? Could he slip to Padres at 24-25 for way overslot?
Klaw: Bonus demands tend to be just rumors – they’re almost impossible to verify – but I have heard his asking price will be quite high. He has the two-sport commitment to LMU, but you know what I’m going to say about any HS pitcher who is already in the mid-90s: Take the money.

Dustin: Atlanta just essentially paid $3 million for a second-round pick. I think it’s a great move for the Braves, but I’ve seen detractors play the “draft picks are lottery tickets and the players Atlanta traded had good numbers” game. I myself don’t need convincing, but what is your quick rebuttal for those naysayers?
Klaw: People who’ve said that – and I got a few of those types on twitter – don’t understand the draft system. An additional pick means more money in your pool and more flexibility to sign better players. Since the draft is already the best investment any team can make, getting more of these things is a no-brainer. There’s no better place to put your money if you’re trying to build.

Dave M: Clearly you’re a fan of Wire. What other post-punk luminaries do you favor? The Fall, Joy Division, PIL?
Klaw: The Fall are a little out there for me. Joy Division of course, PIL here and there, Gang of Four.

Cephus: Assuming Puk has locked up 1-1. Do you get the sense that Braves would take Senzel over Lewis, if both are available? Also, if Lewis and Pint/Groome are on the board, do you believe Braves would opt for the bat or would they prefer the upside of the prep arms?
Klaw: Puk has not locked up 1-1. Nobody has. I still think Atlanta would take Groome over anyone, and I think Ray is strongly in their mix too.

Ed: Does it still sound like Perez is falling to 8? Are the Padres in on Perez, Wentz and Manning at that spot?
Klaw: Perez could go 5 too. I wouldn’t say “falling;” I have him ranked higher than that but that doesn’t mean I’m right. I haven’t heard them with Wentz at all.

Jon: Thank you for these chats Keith. Are you getting more of a sense of who will fall due to signability? Manning, Wentz, I.Anderson and B.Garrett seem to be names I’ve heard
Klaw: I’d add Kevin Gowdy. Manning has hoops, Wentz is a UVA commit, Anderson and Garrett are Vanderbilt. Lawson is also falling but that’s because his velocity was down, and I expect him to end up at ASU.

Michael: Wondering if you read Mike Wilbon’s drivel on African Americans and analytics. I’m almost certain that his thoughts are not true, but could this be a reason why there aren’t a lot of minorities in high-ranking sports positions?
Klaw: I started it and found the premise absurd.

Gabriel: when is your second mock draft coming?
Klaw: Saturday. Which is tomorrow. HOLY SHIT I HAVE A MOCK DRAFT DUE TONIGHT

John: Do you think Alec Hansen’s issues are mostly mental or is there an injury not being reported? He seems like someone who could be a great deal for a team taking a risk on him from 24 and later.
Klaw: I would bet it’s injury-related. He was shut down in the fall with forearm soreness and I believe he has a screw in his elbow from a prior injury.

@RationalMLBfan: Why would the Braves DFA Brian Matusz? It’s not like they have any bullpen prospects they want to use–wouldn’t it have been worth hanging on to a young, recently good LHP in hoes of trading him for *anything*?
Klaw: I agree. I thought they’d try to clean him up a little and see if they could create enough value to trade him in two months.

Ben: would there be any notable changes if you were to re-rank the farm systems
Klaw: Not really. Might slide the Rays up a little with the strong starts of some of the AA bats, especially Gillaspie, although Guerrieri’s velo has been down and so have his results.

Eric: You have the Mets picking Will Craig in your mock – how would you compare him to Dom Smith and if they pick him who would you consider the Mets “1B of the future”?
Klaw: Craig would be a bit of a reach for me at 19 – he’s got power, not sold on the hit tool against better pitching after a poor Cape, while Smith is a much better pure hitter and fielder and I think he’s actually younger than Craig.

Dave from Boston: Keith, Are the Redsox lowering Swihart’s value as a potential trade chip by playing him in left field? Shouldn’t he be honing his catching skills in Pawtucket for new?
Klaw: Yes, but perhaps they think he’ll have a future with the club if he’s a full-time left fielder. I think he has more value to them as a catcher either way.

Nationals Review: Why are teams so concerned with service time when calling up top prospects? It seems that most elite young players get extended well before they would hit free agency, so that extra year of club control never served as more than leverage. However, if a team needs the wins now, it seems like they wouldn’t lose much by calling up the player. Do I have this completely wrong?
Klaw: I agree with you and think the emphasis on delaying callups, especially for arbitration, is silly. If you’re contending, the difference between a division title and a wild-card spot, or between making and missing the playoffs, could easily be one game. Having the right guy up in the order, the right arm in the rotation, in a specific game may end up the margin of success. When the difference is slight, it’s not a big deal, but Trea Turner is so much better than Danny Espinosa’s balsa-wood bat that the Nats’ decision to skimp on Turner makes no sense to me. And even for pushing off free agency, in many cases, you’re relying on the assumption that everything goes well with the player – look at Carlos Gomez right now. Sometimes the player’s best years are now, not years six and seven and beyond.

Andrew: Klaw, after Puk who do you view as the top SEC prospect?
Klaw: Dakota Hudson. I have an entire ranking of the top 100 prospects in the draft.

DPF: Is there something that you’ve seen or not seen in Austin Meadows to make him drop on your prospect list? Or is it just a case of guys jumping him?
Klaw: He needs to start making better quality contact.

Nick: How much do you think bonus demands are going to factor into who goes at #1 and #2 overall? Given that there aren’t any consensus players at #1 and #2, do you expect that the Phillies and Reds are going to look to go more underslot than you’d typically see with the #1 and #2 overall picks in a generic draft?
Klaw: I’m almost positive that the Phillies are going to make offers to multiple players at 1 and take the player who will accept the best deal – the numbers may be different for each player, but regardless of who they sign they’d be in position to grab a top talent (Manning?) who falls to their pick at 42.

Rick: Any reports on Alex Jackson? 7:6 BB:K so far with 2 homers
Klaw: Interesting that you omitted the part where he’s 3 for 23. Don’t think any of it means much. I didn’t get good reports on him from extended.

Jobu: What can we expect out of Senzel?
Klaw: I think your floor is an average player. Average or fringe-average defense at third, plus hit tool, maybe 8-10 homers a year. He shows huge raw in BP, doesn’t bring it over to games. If that translates, then you’re looking at a potential star.

Justin: So…is Joey Gallo going to get any playing time or is he just there to help the clubhouse?
Klaw: Their fealty to Fielder befuddles me. Just release him. He’s toast.

Rick: Michael Gettys is starting off strong according to the stat line. .822 OPS and 20 steals. Good reports?
Klaw: No. Also, he’s repeating the level and still strikes out a lot.

Jonathan: Can Atlanta’s front office keep Swanson and Albies in minors all season (and bring them up April 14, 2017 to extend club control through 2023) or will Braves give in to mounting media noise calling for PR feel good move that brings those two up to MLB team this season?
Klaw: It’s not like the team has given in to any other media noise about PR feel good moves.

Greg: Have you heard anything or do you have any opinion on what Atlanta will do with the money from that extra pick? Pour it into 40 and 44, take a senior at 76?
Klaw: I think whatever fits. It will depend on which kids who want big bonuses slide to 40 and 44 – and that’s tougher to determine now than it was under the old system. But I happen to think they’ll get someone well over slot at 40.

Mike: What did you think of the dust up between LaRussa and Brown (Pirates PBP guy)? Seemed immature on both fronts to me…
Klaw: No issues with Brown. LaRussa was totally out of line to barge in on a broadcast like that.

Jason VT: Will Funkhauser go in the first three rounds?
Klaw: My guess is he’ll either go to the Nats or to whatever team takes Senzel.

John: You once mentioned that Hector Olivera does not look like a regular. Do you think he will play for the braves again or ever in the big league?
Klaw: Probably, but I don’t think he’ll ever be good.

Nick: Are you still hearing the Mets are looking at college bats with their 1st pick?
Klaw: Yes. Second pick, no.

Aaron: Thoughts on the new Radiohead or still waiting for it to hit Spotify?
Klaw: Other than “Burn the Witch” it was dull.

Jennifer: How much upside is there in Benson, Lowe, N.Jones, Mendoza and other bats that are projected around the back of the first round? Do you have any favorites?
Klaw: Jones, who I think will go higher than that unless he puts out a huge number, is my favorite by far. I’m not sure Benson or Mendoza are good bets to hit, period. Lowe could go anywhere from as high as 5 to the early 20s. Some guys are all in on the bat, others are not, two even used the word “fraud” to describe him as a prospect (I won’t go that far).

Brian: Odubal Herrera has dramatically increased his patience at the plate. Why don’t more guys place an emphasis on that and/or is it just too difficult to do for most guys?
Klaw: You notice how rare it is – that’s because it’s really hard.

John: Braves have had Teheran, Wisler, Folty, and Blair in the rotation at times this year. Of those 4 + the 4-5 guys at AAA and AA (Jenkins, Sims, Newcomb, Ellis, etc) who do you think is actually a starter long term for them?
Klaw: Blair no doubt. Folty and Wisler probably the next two most likely. Newcomb has starter stuff but not command or control. Jenkins has starter stuff but for some reason doesn’t miss bats. Ellis is a fifth starter or long guy. Sims is a reliever.

Jonas: I’m currently in the planning process for a kitchen remodel. I recall that mentioning one you did in a previous chat. Any advice you can share from that experience?
Klaw: Set aside more money than you think you’ll need, and then do it down to the studs. You never know what nonsense is lurking in your walls. For us it was flying splices, narrow pipes, and some subfloor issues.

Jason Reynolds: Keep fighting the good fight on amateur pitch counts. No one else is
Klaw: It’s really bizarre. And I have yet to have any coach I’ve called out say, “yep, he’s right, I pitched that kid too much.” Even the pitchers themselves are saying they feel fine and I don’t know how tough they are; one said he just had to “sack up” for the long outing, as if, say, Jarrod Parker just needed some more sack.

Jason Reynolds: How quick could Connor Jones see the bigs? Next year possible?
Klaw: I’m skeptical. UVA pitchers haven’t fared well in their transitions to pro ball and I don’t see an out pitch from him that would make him successful even in AA.

Justin: Does the fact that Clint Frazier has been able to significantly (would you call it that?) cut his K% at the Double-A level lead you to believe he’ll be able to compete near his ceiling projections? Indians probably wont do it – but COULD he help them this year? Thanks for all your work. Never miss a post/chat.
Klaw: He’s a real breakout guy right now – as in, I think it’s a real breakout. More likely to help this year than Zimmer, but I’d also like to see Frazier head up to AAA for a few months of facing pitchers who’ve been in the big leagues before.

BD: Does Shawryn having 16ks move the needle for scouts, or is it just another game, averaged into the whole season? I bet there is some recency bias no?
Klaw: Just another game. Delivery still is what it is, either a reliever or a patient.

Cale: Bogaerts is beginning to show signs of power to go along with what looks like a plus hit tool. You always seemed to project power but did you expect him to be such a high average guy? Plus his defense looks like he can stay at short for a long time. What do you think his peak looks like? Looks like a MVP caliber player.
Klaw: I had him as the #2 prospect in baseball one year, so yes, I thought he’d be a star all around, a shortstop who got on base and hit for power. Superstar makeup too. 25 HR peak plus all the stuff he’s already doing.

Nick: Follow-up: Do you expect the Reds to adopt a similar approach (i.e. taking the best deal) at #2 in order to be able to go over slot at #35?
Klaw: Yes, but I think they’re focused on fewer players (3?) than the Phillies (5).

Ian: Does Senzel qualify as a “high upside” guy that the Braves say they are after? Huge Braves fan, and wouldn’t be overly excited about that pick.
Klaw: No and I don’t think they’re likely to take him.

Dan: Any idea what’s going on with Harvey? His mechanics look terrible, he looks exhausted early in games and I don’t know how the Mets can just just keep throwing him out there. Would a minor league assignment help get him back on track?
Klaw: I answered this, sort of, on Twitter: I know his velocity’s down by a significant margin (not just random), and his mechanics look “off,” but I can’t give you more than that. I would need to see him live to even start to talk about the delivery in specific terms, and if he’s actually hurt, we probably won’t know until he hits the DL. It’s real, though, not just a random blip. He’s not ‘right.’ But to say more than that would be to pretend to knowledge I don’t have.

Canada: What are you all gonna do about Trump?
Klaw: Close your borders, stat.

Alan: You called Austin Riley a mediocre bat speed guy, and the numbers so far certainly look like that’s the case. I’m curious if there’s anything he can do? How often do guys get past that to reach their potential, and is there anything they can do other than simply get stronger?
Klaw: Stronger won’t speed up your bat. I don’t know of any way to improve bat speed in a player who’s already over 18.

Matt: Profar coming to the bigs this weekend. Still a star for you long term if he stays healthy?
Klaw: Yes, I’m still all in.

Finn: Do you like the Dodgers saying that Urias will be going back down at some point? Seems odd if he pitches well not to keep him at the big league level even with the innings limit
Klaw: I think they need to manage expectations as well as his innings. If he pitches really well, they can always reverse course.

Alex Remington: Could Blake Rutherford possibly fall to 40 due to outrageous bonus demands?
Klaw: I had a scout broach that possibility to me yesterday. It’s an interesting one, because he was seen coming into the year as a potential top 5 guy and is almost certainly not going up there. I could also see the Phils cutting a deal with him at 1, then trying to pay someone $5 million at 42. There are a lot of possibilities right now with the lack of clarity up top and all these high school kids with upside but no price tags yet.

Elton: How old was your daughter when she was able to play interesting board games and what was the first one you played with at least a bit of strategery?
Klaw: She was four when she started playing Carcassonne via the app. By the time she was 7-8 she could really play games like that or Splendor or Ticket to Ride with us.

J: Do you see Zack Burdi as a guy who could be a Brandon Finnegan (as in get to majors in draft year?). Where would you take him?
Klaw: I do. He has the stuff to do that, perhaps not the command. Would consider him in the 30s/40s, think he’ll go higher.

Ray A.: Will you be at the Futures Game in San Diego this year? Any prospects I can look forward to watching? I’m guessing Moncada will be there.
Klaw: Yes, I will, and will try to set aside some time pregame to meet with fans as usual. I thought Urias might start the game, but that’s not happening.

Gregory: Lucas Sims as a reliever? That’s harsh. He’s dominating right now.
Klaw: Lucas Sims is dominating right now? He has a 5 ERA and 21 BB in 34 IP.

Belvin2: You mentioned Giolito had his delivery altered. Any insight as to why and what was wrong with his old one?
Klaw: Nothing was wrong with it. I can only assume this was some pitching coach wanting to put his stamp on the kid. If I were Mike Rizzo I would have fire coming out of my eyes at this point.

addoeh: If Baylor isn’t lack of institutional control, I don’t know what is. Still, NCAA is more worried about the players getting paid then what a few of the players do off the field.
Klaw: Meanwhile, UCLA signed a quarter billion dollar deal with Under Armour but can’t find a few bucks to pay the players.

Tom: Do you believe new CBA agreement should set a strict rule to prevent tanking?
Klaw: No. But maybe they could craft rules that don’t actively encourage it?

Matt: cody reed jumped from the 50s to 24 in your recent prospect update. Change in his upside to you or just more confident he’ll be an above average SP soon?
Klaw: Higher upside, showing even better command, Reds people are ecstatic over his progress.

Jay_B: What skill/tool in MLB is most unique (sorry to use a modifier on “unique”)? The one thing where you are like “wow, no one else can do that”
Klaw: Never seen any player run like Billy Hamilton or murder a baseball like Joey Gallo – no, not even Stanton – or throw a 95 mph slider like Thor.

Dan: Thought on Tyler O’Neill so far this season. I believe preseason you said you saw signs of life.
Klaw: Yep, I’m in, especially since now he’s doing it outside the Cal League.

Matt: Kyle Zimmer -> we’ve gotta be talking about a reliever soon right? seems pretty clear his shoulder isnt gonna hold up to a starter’s workload.
Klaw: If that. Hard to peg him as a reliever unless he can throw on back-to-back days. He might be one of the biggest disappointments I’ve ever seen – guy had three legit plus pitches and may never make a major league start.

Jeb: Do you find the draft more enjoyable to cover now that teams have to be more creative with deals and who they pick where or was it more fun when there were fewer restrictions….or has it really not changed that much?
Klaw: The draft is fun to cover when the players are good. The system itself doesn’t affect my job other than doing mocks.

John: Is there anything you particularly like about Trump’s inclusion in politics? I have heard a lot of people say they hate Trump and what he stands for, but they enjoy seeing an “outsider” enter the fray and just disrupt everything. I liked it, too……at first. Not so crazy that the maniac actually has a shot at winning.
Klaw: I was thinking about this the other day after seeing 538’s piece on Gary Johnson’s shot at polling north of 5%. Do people underrate how much we have benefited from having one of the world’s most stable democracies, which in itself is a function of having two dominant (if sometimes wholly dissatisfying) parties? Regardless of who’s been in charge, there’s never been a real threat to the republic, so to speak.

Curt: Perez going 5 to Milwaukee a sure bet?
Klaw: There are no sure bets in this draft. Really.

Cody: What changed with Martes? He does not look good right now
Klaw: Martes, Lopez … I don’t know if these guys are hurt or what. That’s always my first assumption when a good pitcher either stops throwing strikes or loses velocity.

Ed: Are the Padres in a better position than say the Reds or Phils for an underslot deal at 8 then overslot for a manning or anderson at 24,25?
Klaw: Yes, easier to manipulate it when your second pick comes before anyone else’s second pick.

Ray: Alex Verdugo is hitting for more power on AA. Is he a future 20 home run bat? Estimated ETA?
Klaw: He’s got power for sure. Did as an amateur too. Might make it to the majors next year.

Jay: Worried about my Rays. They seem to be taking a step backwards under Silverman. Can you talk me off the ledge?
Klaw: You’d have to give me something more specific than that. I don’t see what’s gone backwards. Thought their draft last year was their most promising in a while.

Brendan: Why Nats on K Funkhauser?
Klaw: Who’s his adviser again?

Brian: Keith, why don’t teams front load long term contracts when they realize the value is in the front and they’ll regret the end? It would make it much easier not to play, cut or trade the struggling player and not handicap the club. Is it basically just because the Union wouldn’t allow it or do the clubs want to delay the spending? Thanks
Klaw: Union discourages it, and yes, clubs love to borrow from tomorrow (and maybe the next GM) to pay for today.

John: Do you see any sense in a Freeman for Gallo + deal? I feel like Freddie should be traded and Texas could use the 1B production
Klaw: At that point Texas should just play Gallo at first base.

Ryan: Can Carter Keiboom stick at shortstop? Is it a 20-homer bat potential?
Klaw: Not a shortstop. Maybe 15-18 homers.

Andy: There’s also a huge difference between keeping Bryant in the minors for two to three weeks to delay free agency a year and avoiding paying money for a Super 2. In one case you hold the player’s rights for an extra year, in the other you just have to spend more money.
Klaw: I agree and I hope I made that distinction clear. That said, are we really good enough to know what a player might be worth in six years – especially a pitcher?

Loser in Minneapolis: I’m a Twins fan and need something to smile about. Any superstar talents in the 2017 draft?
Klaw: Yes. Might be a 2011 draft class. Wright, Faedo, Houck, Kendall, Greene, Schmidt … and that’s just what I’m thinking of now, while sleep-deprived, at 35,000 feet.

Matt: Was jose Berrios eligible for the updated top 25? Does his struggles this year change his long-term outlook for you?
Klaw: He was eligible and did not make the cut. Tiny sample in the majors, but you can see why I had voiced concerns about his height and flat fastball in the past.

Dan: Does Josh Hader make a debut in Beer Town before Sept or do Stearns/Counsell wait for Sept call ups. Dominating in the Southern League.
Klaw: I think he debuts this year. He actually is dominating, unlike Sims, but I don’t think that’s perfectly predictive of what he’ll be in the majors either.

Matt: Thanks for all the answers today. Not sure i’ve see you comment on this: what do you think of the Fantex contracts guys like Franco and Duffey have signed? seems like a good way for players to cash in on part of their value before arb without getting locked into a bad deal. Good for players. mlb?
Klaw: Good for players for sure. Not sure what MLB’s view on it will be – I don’t really see how it’s bad for them.

Doug: Will there be a player coming out of nowhere (like Benintendi last year) going in the top 10/
Klaw: Benintendi won the Golden Spikes Award as a centerfielder in the SEC, so I don’t think he was really out of nowhere. Justin Dunn is the most out of nowhere guy who’ll go high in the draft, maybe up to #11.

Mike: Some say catchers can take more time to develop at the plate, and I know he is still young, but should there be concern over Reese McGuire’s lack of pop?
Klaw: This is what he is and has always been. He can catch and throw but doesn’t have any power.

Gregory: Okay, Sims had a bad three-start run adjusting to AAA but the stuff is there. Right?
Klaw: No, not right.

Rick: Is Dylan Cozens power spike just a result a playing in hitter friendly Reading?
Klaw: He has huge raw power. I think the performance overall is affected by playing in Reading.

Chris: With all the (correct) bashing of the coaches/programs that ruin young pitchers arms, which one’s do you think are more likely to think of the player first and winning the game second?
Klaw: Vanderbilt, Florida, LSU all take pretty good care of their arms. And I’ve run into some less-known programs where the coaches get it – Radford, for example, even though they don’t have a lot of pro prospects. Unfortunately they are still in the minority.

Klaw: That’s all for this week as I’ll be landing soon. Thanks for all of the questions. Look for my next mock draft tomorrow morning.