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Jim Callis

  (2:02 PM)

Hi, everyone. I'm recovering from just writing 3000 words or so on the draft deadline and on the Cape Cod League 10 Prospects, so I'm itching to talk about both. But anything is fair game. Let's go.

Al (D.C.)

What's your opinion on the Pirates' draft and the people they were able to sign? Thanks...

Jim Callis

  (2:05 PM)

Hard not to be impressed. They got Pedro Alvarez done, and didn't shy away from spending $6 million if it meant getting the best bat in the draft. They also got very aggressive to lock up Robbie Grossman for $1 million and Quinton Miller for $900,000. These aren't Kevin McClatchy's Pirates.

Ross (CA)

Why is it so hard for people to understand that the posturing from agents and front offices will never end? It makes no sense for either side to cave, and in the end we always see the same thing.

Jim Callis

  (2:05 PM)

I don't know, but you're right.

Lou (Boulder, CO)

Jim, thanks for taking the time to answer questions today. Can you provide some information on last minute Red Sox sign, Carson Blair? Late emerging prospect who will take Kelly's spot when Kelly becomes a full-time pitcher next year, or just organizational filler?

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

Well, you don't pay $200,000 for just organziation player. He wasn't highly touted, in part because a foot injury slowed him as a junior. He has some size, strength and athleticism and projects as a third baseman. Hey, I had him ranked at No. 104 on my Texas prospect list as part of our Draft Preview!

Lou (Boulder, CO)

Jim, how close did Meyer (Red Sox) and Cole (Yankees) come to signing? The Yankees had to have a good idea that Cole would sign, is this a case where it's a bad move to wait until the deadline to sign a kid? And reports are that Epstein personally was in Indiana on 8/15 to make a last minute run at signing Meyer, were the numbers close to what Meyer was seeking?

Jim Callis

  (2:11 PM)

Cole wasn't close at all. The Yankees were prepared to make a huge offer late, per Scott Boras' wishes, and the day before the deadline, Cole and his family decided they didn't want to negotiate and he would go to UCLA. It wasn't a money issue or a Boras issue, Cole just blew it up. Hard to see that coming. With Meyer, the Red Sox offered $2 million but were told Meyer wanted $3 million. Boras approached the Red Sox as the deadline neared to try to bridge the gap, but there wasn't enough time.

Lou (Boulder, CO)

Jim, a lot of people are gushing over Ryan Westmoreland while others cite his low pre-draft rankings (BA, PG) and say he's simply being hyped up by the large market team that drafted him. Is Westmoreland a late rising prospect (coming from the Northeast) with Ellsbury potential? I know being one of the top 100 prospects in the country isn't anything to scoff at, but did his work this summer show something more than what was known in the pre-draft rankings (enough to justify $1.6M)?

Jim Callis

  (2:13 PM)

The Northeast prospects just don't get the exposure and hype that players from the Sun Belt do. To be honest, ranking Westmoreland 113th on our overall Top 200 was low. Other teams I've talked to have praised the Red Sox for getting that deal done. He's a tremendous athlete who had a big summer with the Bayside Yankees, which helped his cause. He's a center fielder, but I think he has more power and very good speed if not quite Ellsbury speed.

Jim Callis

  (2:14 PM)

And yes, I know that's three straight Red Sox and Yankees questions. A lot of them at the front of the line today. And no, I didn't realize I just gave Lou three straight questions. They were good questions!

Jason (DC)

Jim - Whats your opinion of Tigers rookie Matt Joyce? he strikes out a bunch, but has shown good extra base pop and some patience at the plate? is he a legit player going forward, or a flash in the pan?

Jim Callis

  (2:14 PM)

He can be a solid regular. I don't think he'll be a big star but he can keep up his current production.

Dan (DC)

Ok, the Hendricks are idiots, Jim Bowden is a blowhard -- but who is more at fault for the Aaron Crow debacle? What are the chances the Nats have a new GM this winter?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

I blame them both. Both sides dug in and didn't seriously try to compromise until hours before the deadline. They'll both come out OK, as Crow will get paid as long as he doesn't get hurt, and the Nats will get a comparable pick in next year's draft. I don't think they'll get as good a value as getting Crow at No. 9 would have been, though. Also hard to believe the two sides couldn't bridge the gap between $3.5 million and $4 million at the end, either. It hasn't been a good year for the Nats at the major or minor league level, so Bowden has to be in a bit of a hot seat.

Mike (Pittsburgh)

Jim, Jose Tabata is really playing well for the Pirates in AA through his first 10 games. Although a small sample size, do you think Tabata is going to continue this or will he slump like he did when with the Yankees?

Jim Callis

  (2:18 PM)

Small sample size, sure, but it's possible the trade was a wakeup call that he needed to grow up and put in more effort. There's no question that he can be a very talented hitter if he works hard.

Kevin (NY)

Hey Jim, there is speculation that some teams don't sign their picks (especially deals over slot) until right before the deadline to avoid agents driving up prices based on other deals. Is this true? Also is Gerrit Cole not signing related because it appears they probably could have blown him away early and locked him up but since the Yanks waited, he changed his mind...

Jim Callis

  (2:25 PM)

It's not the teams that avoid it so much as it's MLB wanting them to hold off on an official announcement. I think they go overboard on this, as the out-of-slot deals aren't going to drive up prices too much. This could have been affected Cole, because he wouldn't be the first kid who got more intent on attending college as the summer wore on. (This happened with Mark Prior, for instance.)

Danny(Philly)

How good a signing was Jared Cosart for the Phillies?

Jim Callis

  (2:25 PM)

Interesting one. He broke Jay Buhner's record for single-season batting average at his high school this spring, but most teams like him as a pitcher. He's raw, but he's athletic and has hit 96 mph. He signed for $550,000.

Oscar (Santo Domingo)

How much usually cost an organizational player? Just curious...

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

In the draft? Usually $1,000.

Jake (St. Louis, MO)

Jim-The Cardinals promoted Brett Wallace to AA. What's a legitimate timetable on his arrival to the majors and how do you project his career? Any comparisons would help.Thanks.

Jim Callis

  (2:27 PM)

I don't think he's going to stay at third base, but I don't doubt that he'll hit for a high average and good power. He could be up by the end of 2009 if the Cardinals can find a place to play him. Seems like they have a pretty good first baseman . . .

Chad(Shreveport, LA)

Thanks for the chat, Jim. How high do you see Crow and Scheppers going next year? It appears to be a weaker draft.

Jim Callis

  (2:27 PM)

Seems that way. If they're both healthy, they could factor in the top 10 picks.

Derek, (Mechanicville NY)

Hello Mr. Callis;Did they Mets draft and sign any players your really like after round 1?If so who are they?

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

I thought it was another vanilla draft for the Mets, who once again didn't use their financial muscle. There's no one who stands out as a tremendous value or tremendous talent after the first round, at least not at this point.

anthony allentown,pa

an idea who is on the list of acceptable prospects LA gave to SD for Maddux? Can't be anyone of note, right?

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

Don't know, but I don't think it's anyone significant.

Rob (NYC)

Will the Yanks get a compensation pick for not signing their second round pick?

Jim Callis

  (2:30 PM)

Yes, they will get the pick after the corresponding choice in the 2009 draft, just as they will for their first-rounder. They also have a lot of pending free agents, so they could have quite a haul of extra draft picks.

Brett (Mount Prospect, IL)

Harden had 10 k's last night and has a 1.50 ERA in the NL. Gallagher gave up 10 runs last night. Gaudin has a sub 3.00 ERA, a sub 1.00 WHIP and more than K's than IP for the Cubs. Murton has been demoted to AAA and Eric Patterson simply is not good and never will be. I know this trade was not for 2008, but are there still people out there who think Beane did not get completely taken on this deal? When the Cubs win the WS, does Beane get a ring for handing them their #1 starter?

Jim Callis

  (2:32 PM)

If the amount of disagreement I generated when I pointed this out at the time of the trade is any indication--check the chat archives--I'm sure there are people out there who still think it was a good trade for Beane. He's a terrific GM, but he's not infallible, as some emailers seem to think. I said then and I said now, why not use the three remaining weeks before the trade deadline to find a better deal?

John, Grand Rapids

Hi John - any news on when we can expect (1) the Top 30 Cape Cod list and (2) some kind of top prospects list for the 2009 draft?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

I believe you'll start seeing the summer prospect lists at baseballamerica.com next week. I just sent the Cape Top 10 for the issue, and I (no big shock here) had Southern California SS Grant Green at No. 1. Our 2009 lists will probably go up in September.

Greg (LA)

Seems to me that one of the biggest decisions for a GM is when to hold and when to fold. Imagine if Seattle had folded last winter, not signed Silva, not traded for Bedard, dumped Washburn and Ibanez and put all of that money (maybe $10 - 20M) into draft picks last year and this year. A whole different team, right?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

A whole better future, too.

Mark (NJ)

Have you played Madden 09 yet? Is that replay the last play feature the stupidest feature in the history of the series or is it me?

Jim Callis

  (2:35 PM)

I've been so busy with the signing deadline and Cape prospects that I've only played three games against the computer. I heard about that feature, hadn't noticed it, but it does sound stupid. I do like the opportunity to run back field goals, though.

Justin (Pittsburg, Ca)

Jim, I read somewhere that up until last year the Giants 4th round pick Crawford was supposed to be a 1-2 round draft pick but fell off last year. How good does he project. Was it just an off year?

Jim Callis

  (2:36 PM)

He was. Crawford doesn't make consistent contact against quality pitching, so that knocked him down. Good athlete but I'm not sold on the bat.

Evan (Sacramento)

Jim, what is Brett Hunter's ceiling? He was a 7th round pick of the A's and got over $1 million in bonus money. What kind of repetoire does he have?

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

Hunter was one of the hardest throwers in the draft until he hurt his elbow early in the spring. His velocity hasn't returned yet but he's a potential steal. I think he's more of a reliever than a starter, though.

Mark (NJ)

Yanks gave Garrison Lassiter a pretty penny for a 29th round pick. What have you heard on him? Is he a better prospect than Carmen Angelini?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

$675,000 in the 27th round. He has more upside but less polish than Angelini did a year ago.

Will (NYC)

Did Edward Salcedo ever officially sign with Cleveland? What is the latest word on him?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

Nope. Are we sure he's not the Hispanic Sidd Finch?

Mike (Northern VA)

How do Pro scouts and BA folks hear about HS prospects and choose to rate them? It seems as if there are so many HSers and stats are skewed that it would require coaches and summer leagues to bring these prospects to light.

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

The proliferation of summer showcases helps. Basically you start out with a lot of names and winnow them down.

Randy (St. Paul)

Am I the only one who thinks Beane needs to be given a little heat? It's one thing to trade away 30-32 year old studs for prospects, but now he's consistently trading away 25-27 yr old studs for prospects that are only a few years younger, keeping Oakland constantly in rebuilding mode.

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

No, because I've suggested the same. They've done a nice job restocking the system, but Haren, Swisher and Harden weren't exactly old or overpriced.

Andrew (Woodbridge, NJ)

Jim, I asked you about Dylan Owen at the end of last season, and you said he was an organizational player at best. That said, he was leading the FSL in strikeouts (with 116, vs. only 33 walks in 133.2 innings) and just got promoted to Binghamton. Any change in your opinion, and any chance something could come of him in the majors?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Did I really say "organization player at best"? He doesn't have an out pitch and relies on command, and I bet I said he was the type of guy who has to prove himself at each level. I still feel that way.

Matt Wieters (Bowie)

Say something bad about me. I dare you to try and find something bad to say.

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

I can't, I really can't.

Ryan (DSM)

Now that the Royals have signed Hosmer and Melville, where do you see their farm system being ranked?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

I still don't think they have tremendous depth, but Hosmer and Melville are a fine start.

Brandon (Nashville)

How long can I put off work today? Two hours? Please!

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Not today. I got up before dawn to do my writing and I need to eat.

Bob( Green Bay, WI)

Which city would you say has a better chance for a cross town world series? New York or Chicago?Thanks Jim

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Much greater chance in Chicago this year.

Rick (Hartford)

I know it really wasn't their fault, but it has to be a blow to the Yankees to not sign two of their top three picks?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

I agree on both counts.

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

At least they signed some above-slot talent later in the draft--Brett Marshall, Kyle Higashioka, D.J. Mitchell--so it wasn't a total loss.

Mike (Rutland, VT)

Please rank them - McCutchen, Tabata, Alvarez.

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Let's go to the lightning round: Alvarez, McCutchen, Tabata.

Kyle (FL)

David Price's two Durham starts have been, shall we say, atypical. Is it a case of nerves, or is he being pushed too fast?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

I'll take Door No. 3: aberration.

John (Arlington, Texas)

Who has more trade value? Salty, Teagarden ?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Teagarden.

Derek WI

What are your thoughts on Alcides Escobar now?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

I believe more in the bat than I used to, and he's arguably the best shortstop prospect in the upper minors.

Terrence (NYC)

Pelfrey, Hughes, Kennedy

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Hughes, Pelfrey, Kennedy.

Gus (Chandler AZ)

Why didn't Daniel Webb sign with the Dbacks if he knew he couldn't qualify for Kentucky?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Guess he thought he could get more than $250,000 after spending a year in junior college. Or maybe he'll try to transfer to Kentucky after a year at JC.

Jacob (Amherst)

Morales, Billingsley, Scherzer

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Billingsley, Scherzer, Morales.

Matt (Manchester,NH)

Lars Anderson or Josh Reddick....who makes it to Boston faster and which one right now do you think is more advanced??

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Anderson for both answers. I do like Reddick, though.

Brett (Mount Prospect, IL)

CC or Harden?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Sabathia because of the health factor.

Nick (KC)

Moustakas or Hosmer?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

I keep going back and forth on this. It's really a coin flip. I'll say Moustakas today, give him the edge for proving himself some already and more positional value.

Scott (Boston)

Olympics questions, more impressive performance, Phelps or Bolt?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Phelps.

Garrett (Bakersfield)

Heyward or Schafer?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Heyward, but I still like Schafer.

Andrew (NC)

Mychal Givens: SS or P?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Sounds like scouts are getting on him more as a pitcher now.

Bryan (Tampa)

Will Andy Sonnanstine hold off Wade Davis or David Price?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Not in the long run.

Dan (des monies)

Cole or Melville, today and 3 years when Cole is in the majors?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

I'd rather have Melville today and in the long run. Not sure how Cole will rocket to the majors after spending time at UCLA.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ)

Brandon Wood is a future .... ?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

At least a solid regular. I still believe.

Steve NY

Are you a fan of Brett Gardner? IS he going to get better or what should we expect from him?

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

Reserve outfield type.

Dave (Chicago)

You're crazy....first, 99% of the world does not have the ability to swim in a pool on a daily basis, almost everyone can run...Bolt is the fastest of the fast in a much bigger sample size.

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

Bolt can't dominate his sport in as many different events like Phelps can. I don't see Bolt linked to Amanda Beard or Lily Donaldson, either.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ)

NO ONE has ever done what Phelps has... Bolt is the 3rd person to win both races... nuff said.

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

See?

Patrick, Allentown Pa.

Beckham or Moustakas?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Moustakas over either Beckham.

Jake(Oakland)

Cahill and Anderson or Holland and Feliz?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Cahill and Anderson.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ

I always got your back Jim.. still waiting for the Mike Pelfrey love though.. :-) Thanks for the chat

Jim Callis

  (3:03 PM)

Oh, I like Pelfrey (and Bolt, too). Just not as much as Hughes and Phelps.

Ray, Burlington, NJ

Jim, I've been readng you for close to two years, and you had promised to do a marathon chat. Did that ever occur?

Jim Callis

  (3:03 PM)

It will happen. Just not sure when. Four kids, lot going on here in suburban Chicago, we'll try to find a time for one.

Greg (LA)

Manny - a Dodger or somewhere else next year?

Jim Callis

  (3:04 PM)

Highest bidder, and I suspect that won't be the Dodgers.

Barry (NY)

FA you'd rather have: Sheets or Burnett?

Jim Callis

  (3:04 PM)

Sheets.

Mark (Boston)

Amanda Beard or Lily Donaldson

Jim Callis

  (3:04 PM)

Beard.

Patrick, Allentown Pa.

Posey or Alonso

Jim Callis

  (3:04 PM)

Posey.

Miles, Arlington, TX

Justin Smoak or Derek Barton?

Jim Callis

  (3:04 PM)

Smoak, really not close for me.

Barry (NY)

Ollie Perez for 5/75 or CC for 6/130?

Jim Callis

  (3:05 PM)

CC. If you're going to spend that much money, might as well get the best.

Steve Ny

Say a team couldn't sign a player for whatever reason. Is the team allowed to trade that player before the Aug 15 deadline?

Jim Callis

  (3:05 PM)

No. You can't trade a draftee until a year after he signs his first pro contract. You can get around this somewhat by making him a player to be named, but that can't happen until six months after he signs.

Ursula, Cleveland

Posey or Hosmer?

Jim Callis

  (3:06 PM)

Posey. And while it seems like I haven't picked Hosmer for anything today, I really love the bat.

Peter, Cincinnati

Chris Davis or Jay Bruce?

Jim Callis

  (3:06 PM)

Bruce.

Guy (Chicago)

Ryan "Flash" Flaherty's position if/when he ultimately makes it to the Show?

Jim Callis

  (3:07 PM)

Third base.

Greg (atlanta)

Bowden or Kennedy?

Jim Callis

  (3:07 PM)

Bowden.

Alex (NY)

Pavano. Neck stiffness. Shocking.

Jim Callis

  (3:07 PM)

Yes, very shocking.

Brandon (Nashville)

Strasburg or Crow?

Jim Callis

  (3:08 PM)

Strasburg.

Blaine (Harrisburg)

Adam Jones or Austin Jackson or Jacoby Ellsbury?

Jim Callis

  (3:08 PM)

Jones.

Bill: San Francisco

Best Giant pitcher in 5 years? Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner, or Alderson.....

Jim Callis

  (3:08 PM)

Lincecum.

Sal (Connecticut)

Zachary McAllister's upside is____

Jim Callis

  (3:09 PM)

No. 3 starter.

Dave (Tempe)

Webb or Haren?

Jim Callis

  (3:09 PM)

Webb.

Jim Callis

  (3:09 PM)

Must go find food. And play Madden09. And sleep. So I'll see you next week.