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Keith Law

  (1:02 PM)

Aaron Rowand in his last 400 PA: .258 /.328/.398. $11 million is a lot of money for a fourth outfielder ... but at least he only has four years left on his deal!

Kevin (NY,NY)

Hey KLaw, I was wondering the outcome of a hypothetical, yet not improbable situation. The Yanks will have to first rounders this year because of Cole and there normal first round pick. If they were to sign 2 class A players, would they lose both of those?

Keith Law

  (1:03 PM)

No matter who they sign, they will retain the compensatory pick they receive for failing to sign Cole. They will lose their "regular" first pick if they sign Sabathia^H^H^H a Type A free agent.

Dave (ChiTown)

Keith, you're really missing the point on Alexei Ramirez. He makes everything look so easy defensively that it makes his whole team more confident, and thus better. They see him make those amazing plays and are forced to step up their games.

Keith Law

  (1:03 PM)

$5. And if this is who I think it is, $10.

Alan (Bristol, CT)

what is the realistic chance that Pedroia will win MVP? I know people don't want to give scrappy second baseman the MVP award...but c'mon. Voters are automatically going to look at the HR's and RBI's and say he doesnt have enough. This kid does everything and is absolutely the heart and soul of that team right now

Keith Law

  (1:07 PM)

I'm not sure if that's a $5 fine or not. As for Pedroia's MVP chances, he'd be probably 6th or 7th on my ballot now ... not that I have one, which is fine, because when would I have time to fill one out with all the baseball games I go to? In terms of Pedroia's chances to win, I'm seeing a head of steam building behind his campaign, like Shannon Stewart in '03. The MVP vote is often like a political campaign - writers pen impassioned pieces in favor of their pet candidates, and other voters are somehow swayed.

Brian (Lynn, MA)

Is it wrong to dislike my own team's fan base? Pedroia for MVP? Come on people, you are supposed to be intelligent fans!

Keith Law

  (1:08 PM)

To be fair, he's leading the team in VORP, although I think r-level for 2b is quite low right now.

Rory(Sacramento)

Kieth, serious question for you about Jesus Montero. I've seen in numerous places that he is expected to outgrow catcher. My question, is how big do you expect him to get? Right now, he is 225 lbs, with lots of ML catchers 235 and above. thanks.

Keith Law

  (1:09 PM)

It's not so much his weight as his build. He's bulky and doesn't move around well behind the plate. Put more weight on him and it might get ugly.

Erik (Columbus, OH)

You can't just abandon us for three weeks and expect us to come crawling back to you.

Keith Law

  (1:09 PM)

You act like I can't see you in the dirt there.

Keith Law

  (1:11 PM)

BTW, my ranking of the top 60 prospects for the 2009 draft has been posted: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3566868andname=law_keith.

Kevin (San Diego)

Keith, I know you like Kyle Blanks' potential. Do you see him being used as trade bait due to Adrian Gonzalez manning 1B? Could he possibly play an adequate LF in Petco? Also, how much more power potential is there? Thanks!

Keith Law

  (1:12 PM)

I've never seen him play LF, but he doesn't look the type physically. It's 30-40 HR potential - I know his ISO took a hit this year, but San Antonio is a brutal power park.

Lil' Dusty (Beantown)

I can't be the MVP because I haven't reached the height requirement. Sabathia's usage in Milwaukee: abuse or return on investment? Buyer beware for a long term deal?

Keith Law

  (1:14 PM)

ROI. Team's responsibility to a player beyond his years of control is close to nil. I'd take him over Sheets even considering the likely price difference.

Paul (Sacramento)

Buon giorno, Klaw! Come stai? What's more absurd? The Delgado MVP talk or the CC Cy Young chatter?

Keith Law

  (1:14 PM)

Sabathia. If there was one award for both leagues, fine, but there isn't, so let's stop being ridiculous.

Chris, San Jose CA

KLaw, I like all of the pitching prospects BBeane has acquired but I'm not sure about the hitters. What do you think of Cunningham, Carter, Cardenas, Donaldson, etc. Any of them project as future All-Stars?

Keith Law

  (1:16 PM)

Donaldson is the best of the group for me. I had him on my top 100 going into the season, then he was so bad in low-A ... but since the deal he's been destroying high-A and I think it's fair to say he's back on track. He's probably top 50 overall going into next year because of the positional value. Second-best would be Cardenas ... I know a lot of scouts like Cunningham, and I haven't seen him since late '06, but I didn't see an above-average everyday bat there.

Steve (L.A.)

Is there any shame in eating an entire bag of TJ's air-popped BBQ chips in one sitting? Come on, the bags are fairly small.

Keith Law

  (1:17 PM)

If I said there was shame in it, I'd have to go to confession.

matt (nyc)

Keith, is Alan Horne off the radar now that he has had rotator cuff surgery?

Keith Law

  (1:17 PM)

Check back in 2010. He might pitch next year, but it'll probably be more of a recovery year.

Tony (Brooklyn, NY)

Is Oppenheimer taking a hit to his reputation this year, especially in the development part of the equation? Trading away Tabata must not have been a proud moment. Thanks!

Keith Law

  (1:18 PM)

Tabata was an international signee; Damon (Oppenheimer) oversees the draft. I think on the whole he's done a solid job, but this year's draft didn't work out well without Cole.

JC, Winnipeg

Might as well get the obligatory "are the Jays rushing Snider with this Spetember recall?" question out of the way...

Keith Law

  (1:19 PM)

Yes, they're rushing him, but it's job-saving time in Toronto.

Justin (Nashville)

I want to congratulate you for being the only person in America not to list Mike Minor in one of the top twenty picks in next years draft. 60+ command, 55/60 Changeup, a playable breaking ball, and a 88-90 (92 max) fastball. He is Tom Glavine with more velo than Glavine. Also, he was player of the summer after beating the Cuban Olympic team twice in one week. I think you are missing the boat on Minor.

Keith Law

  (1:21 PM)

Thanks for the congratulations. I've seen him three times, never with that velocity, never with that command (seriously, do you know what 60+ command is, or how few college pitchers have that?), and never with that good of a changeup. Plus, lefties with mediocre breaking balls have a downside problem, because they don't have L-on-L value as relievers. More to the point, what do I care about how other people rank prospects?

Trevor (Texas)

Obviously Michael Crabtree will be a high draft pick, but what about Texas Tech's Graham Harrell? Is he just another system quarterback, or is there some serious NFL potential in him?

Keith Law

  (1:21 PM)

That's a $1000 fine.

Bill Smith (Minnesota)

I promise I'm not Klawbaiting with this: I like hitters who don't strike out. My team is hitting really well with RISP (and has done well with RISP over the last four years). Coincidence? Or am I on to something?

Keith Law

  (1:22 PM)

That's a good question, one that is researchable. Do teams with low K/PA or K/AB rates hit better with RISP? My guess would be no, but someone can (should) be able to get a firm answer, and if someone does, email me and I'll get your results out there.

Jeff (NYC)

should I be excited about Holt and Flores?

Keith Law

  (1:23 PM)

Yes, although I still want to see a better second pitch from Holt.

Evan (Washington DC)

Keith, does it make any sense for the Yankees to start Joba in the bullpen next year and transition him again as has been reported?

Keith Law

  (1:24 PM)

Yes, as long as that's the plan going in, not some mid-May mental seizure in response to the previous night's drubbing.

Steven (Grand Forks)

Any love for Mauer for MVP? I don't want to think about where the Twins would be with Mike Redmond catching everyday. Highest WARP3 in the AL, too.

Keith Law

  (1:25 PM)

He'd be top five, maybe 3 or 4. Sizemore, Lee, A-Rod, Mauer? If Morneau finishes ahead of Mauer again, it will just reinforce my disinterest in joining the BBRAA.

Ben (SF)

Has Rowand's arm always been inaccurate and not very strong or is this a recent development?

Keith Law

  (1:25 PM)

That's what I've always seen from him too. He plays hard and runs into walls. Other than that, what else does he really do well?

Jonathan (Tampa, FL)

What are the rules for a player that goes to junior college or community college? Is he eligible for the draft the next year or does he have to wait until his 3rd year?

Keith Law

  (1:26 PM)

He's eligible the next year, which is why Daniel Webb is on my list again.

Mike (Rutland, VT)

Hi Keith,Any thoughts on the performance of the Pirates' front office as it relates to the trade deadline and Alvarez contract mess? Thanks for your time.

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

I'll answer the broader question and hopefully I'll answer yours in here somewhere. The part that bothers me is that MLB unilaterally bent the rules on the signing deadline. One, they can't do that without talking to the union. Two, they never even admitted they were doing this until Boras called them out on it. And three, I'm pretty sure that these waivers were abused in at least one instance to allow for continued negotiations, not just dotting i's and crossing t's. Should the Pirates' front office be charged as co-conspirators? I don't know. If I was Huntington and the Commissioner's Office said, "Just finish the deal, don't worry about the clock," I'd finish the damn deal. By the same token, if I'm Scott Boras and my client gets a $6 million offer that I think is sketchy, I take the deal first and challenge it later so that at least my client has it in his back pocket if he decides he just wants to take the money and run.

lulz

BBRAA. Is Writers spelled Riters these days? P.S. No love for Quentin or Dye in the MVP? Ouch.

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

Inside joke on the R. Neither of those guys makes the top 5 for me.

Jonathan (Tampa, FL)

What's stopping someone like Bryce Harper from dropping out of school, getting his GED, then becoming a free agent when he is 16? Why do we only see latin born players sign so young?

Keith Law

  (1:31 PM)

I believe they changed the rules to prevent that ... you have to wait a year after dropping out, and you either have to graduate after four years or turn 18 with a GED to be drafted. Latin-born players are subject to different rules. I hate artificial restrictions on labor like the draft, but requiring kids to finish high school isn't exactly draconian.

dan (nj)

klaw - any new book recommendations? any chance porcello starts the year in the bigs next year?

Keith Law

  (1:31 PM)

I'm stuck in a dud right now, Henry Roth's "Call It Sleep" (dud as in I don't like it, even though it's critically acclaimed). I'd say < 5% chance.

Nick (Boston)

I hearken back to Jeter's 2nd place finish in 2006 with similar numbers. Am I wrong for doing so? Especially considering that little Dusty is light years ahead of Cap'n Jetes defensively.

Keith Law

  (1:32 PM)

Wasn't Jeter pretty much neck and neck with Mauer in VORP, WS, etc. that year? I think his candidacy was stronger than Pedroia's. Agreed on the defense, though.

Ed (MA)

I'm sure this has been covered already, but do you think R. Westmoreland has a better future as a pitcher or every day guy?

Keith Law

  (1:33 PM)

Centerfielder.

Ryan (DSM)

What is meant by a two plane break on a pitch? Is it a break that is both up and down and left and right?

Keith Law

  (1:34 PM)

Yes. A curveball with two-plane break has an angle to its break other than 90 degrees (which is a 12-to-6 curveball, straight down).

Matt

Keith - Am I nitpicking, or would # of pitches thrown be a better indication of a pitcher's workload for a season rather than innings pitched?

Keith Law

  (1:34 PM)

You are not nitpicking.

John - Philadelphia

Hey Klaw,Thoughts on Jon Niese's debut last night. Results were pretty rough but that curve looked good at times. Where does he fit in the future?

Keith Law

  (1:35 PM)

Four-pitch LHP with a potentially plus-plus curveball. I'd have to say #3 starter with a chance to be a #2 if his command really comes along. He looked like a nervous wreck last night, though.

mike (NJ)

Love your work Keith.Fernando Martinez and Jon Niese or Michael Taylor and Carlos Carrasco, who'd you rather have??

Keith Law

  (1:35 PM)

The Mets' guys, easily.

Pete (laurel md)

Hey KLAW, do you think Carlos Beltran should get some MVP love. If he has a big september who could finish .280 BA, .380 OBP 25+ hrs 110+ rbi 30 sbs 40 doubles all while playing the best defensive center field in the majors. Your thoughts?

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

There's no way his defense is good enough to close the gap on Pujols. If Pujols doesn't win, there should be an investigation.

Alan (St. Pete)

Just wanted to say you were absolutely right about the burr grinder. My espresso is 100 times better. Thanks for the advice.

Keith Law

  (1:37 PM)

You're welcome. I didn't believe it myself until I tried it.

Matt (Brookline, MA)

I'm honestly curious about this: I know you are into VORP, as am I. Why do you favor Morneau to Mauer when the former is easily ahead in VORP? Doesn't VORP consider positional difference?

Keith Law

  (1:38 PM)

I don't mean for this to be the VORPiest chat ever, but Morneau is less than 3 runs ahead in VORP, and when you factor in Mauer's defense (which is plus) and Morneau's (which is minus), Mauer is the right call.

Ryan (Boston)

Last night the NESN/Fenway gun had Lester hitting 97 in the first inning. I've always assumed that this reading was ticked up about 2 or 3 MPH. From what you know, is the Fenway gun accurate?

Keith Law

  (1:39 PM)

It's the pitch F/X gun, and it is usually 1-3 mph ahead of the scouts' guns in the stands. If it said 97 on Lester repeatedly (as opposed to one fluke reading), he was probably hitting 95-96. I saw him hit 95 in AA in '05.

Jacob (IA)

Is there a record for most Ks by a relief pitcher? It seems unbelieveable that Carlos Marmol can already have over 100 SOs.

Keith Law

  (1:40 PM)

Brad Lidge had 157 in 2004. I don't know if that's the record, but it's the highest I know of off the top of my head.

Neven (Stroudsburg, PA)

Keith, che se dice? Spero che tutto bene.Mike Stanton, where would he rank in your top 100 right now?

Keith Law

  (1:41 PM)

Near the bottom. I know the power production is huge, but it's a long swing, he doesn't make much contact (and he's facing a lot of weak stuff in low-A), and he's limited defensively.

Josh (NY)

Keith, why no love for Jose Reyes for MVP? If you look at the national league, he's #1 in VORP on teams that would be considered contenders.

Keith Law

  (1:42 PM)

Because value isn't limited to contending teams.

Chris (Somerset, NJ)

How is Pujols somehow behind Ryan Ludwick in the MVP talk? He should be the flat-out MVP with no discussion yet somehow he's being talked about less than his inferior teammate? Do you think there is a "been there, done that" quality to Pujols that is keeping him from getting more discussion? If La Russa wins Manager of the Year and Pujols doesn't finish top 5 for MVP, what kind of dumb message does that send?

Keith Law

  (1:43 PM)

I think that's exactly it - and the fact that Ludwick is a better "story" helps his cause. I think in general, the baseball MSM likes to kill its idols - whoever the best player is now, find his flaws, denigrate his accomplishments, just tear him down any which way you can. Bonds got that treatment. Then A-Rod. To a lesser degree, Pujols is getting it.

John (Portland, ME)

Why would Borass not want Alvarez to sign the deal with the Pirates (late or not)? Is it really worth ruining his client's reputation for a couple more bucks a year later?

Keith Law

  (1:45 PM)

How do we know this isn't what Alvarez wants? No one's asked him (nor can anyone ask him), and the blanket assumption is that this is a Boras vendetta against 1) Frank Coonelly and/or 2) the draft. I just don't buy it. Besides, on the 5% chance that Alvarez is declared a free agent ... well, the Yankees probably have a lot of cash left in their budget that was allotted for their '08 first-rounder, and Alvarez is from the Bronx, and I'd have to imagine they'd offer him $15-20MM if he becomes a free agent.

Nick (Cleveland)

I'm a few chapters into the Master and Margarita, absolutely love it. Did he write any other books that are on par with this? Or a one hit wonder?

Keith Law

  (1:46 PM)

One-hit wonder. I think he only had one other novel, "The White Guard," and it wasn't anything special.

Channing (Ohio)

Hey KLaw, love the blog. What is the word on Desmond Jennings? Seems TB has an opening in RF. 2009 Opening Day too early for him to secure that position?

Keith Law

  (1:46 PM)

Too early. He missed most of this year and wasn't ready at the time that he got hurt.

Marshall Keith Despain(Terre Haute, IN)

OKAY KEITH, Who is your choice for NL ROY?

Keith Law

  (1:46 PM)

Geovany Soto in a rout.

Mike Tucson

Does OBP overvalue walks? Makes sense that a single is better than a walk in most cases.

Keith Law

  (1:47 PM)

Yes, but the difference is slight. If a single is worth 10% more than a walk, and most hitters have far more singles than walks anyway, then OBP is going to be close enough for casual purposes.

John (Atlanta)

There are 4 NL players with higher BAs than anyone in the AL. Is that a function of the pitchers they face, or is it just because the NL happens to be where Pujols and Chipper play?

Keith Law

  (1:47 PM)

Weaker talent pools tend to lead to more extreme performances.

Patrick (Cheyenne, Wyoming)

Pedroia is having a great year but MVP would you put him above Quentin he is not even the best 2B in his league considering Kinsler does it from the lead off and without as much protection?

Keith Law

  (1:48 PM)

Kinsler's injury ends his chances to win.

Allyson, Dallas

Keith, thanks for chatting! Julio Borbon has been playing very good this year so will the Rangers look at him in CF to start the season next year?

Keith Law

  (1:48 PM)

Yes, my understanding is that he'll get a shot to win that job.

Doug (NY)

Aceves and Coke made major league debuts this past week. Either of them have long-term staying power with the Yanks?

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

Aceves might. Coke is an up-and-down guy for me, and certainly not someone I'd expect to see in a Yankee rotation on a permanent basis.

Will (St. Louis)

Does sending a pitcher down for 2 starts (i.e. Marcum) really accomplish anything? Any thoughts on Anthony Reyes looking better in Cleveland?

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

I don't think it accomplished much. I haven't seen Reyes, but that ERA looks awfully lucky.

brianjkoscuiszka (Rockville, MD)

I haven't gotten into brining my meat yet (too lazy) but I have found that marinading it i lemon juice makes it tender and moist, as well as adding the delicate flavor to compliment the spices. Is there any actual logic to this or is something else at work?

Keith Law

  (1:50 PM)

Yes, acid denatures the proteins in meat. Just don't leave the meat in the marinade too long and make sure you mix the acid with some olive or vegetable oil.

Rob (Alaska)

Opening Day starters 2009: Travis Snider, Dexter Fowler, Jordan Schafer?

Keith Law

  (1:51 PM)

Probably, possibly but unlikely, no.

Derrick (Tulsa, OK)

Can you please rank the recent Padre call ups (Venable, LeBlanc, Antonelli, Geer)? Any of them stars or at least solid major leaguers?

Keith Law

  (1:51 PM)

I think Antonelli's a solid utility player in the majors. I don't project any of the others to have significant big-league value.

Matt (Boston, MA)

Whether you (or anyone else with analytical skills) like it or not, the MVP race will come down to Quentin and Pedroia. Given the choice of only those two, whom do you pick?

Keith Law

  (1:51 PM)

Pedroia, without a moment's hesitation. He's been better, period.

john (MPLS)

I think the MSM just likes the roller coaster stories. Players who are constant are boring - Sizemore, Pujols, etc. It's better print if someone is a comeback or fall from grace, etc. It's no wonder you don't like the BBWAA; they're worse storytellers than every single book you've ever mentioned. Keep on fighting. Oh, and what do you think of Shin Soo Choo? Full time player or platoon guy?

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

Probably a platoon guy, but it wouldn't hurt to give him a year against LHP to see if he can improve.

Chris (Somerset, NJ)

Mets are rolling with a 13 pitcher bullpen, 14 when Wagner comes off the DL, and almost all of these guys have massive platoon splits. Are Mets fans going to have to suffer through four hour, nine-inning games that go down to the final pitch all month?

Keith Law

  (1:56 PM)

They're just hoping to relive the magic of September 2007.

Kyle (Go Hoosiers)

Josh Phegley in your top 60: he plays for Indiana University (IU), not Univ. of Indiana.

Keith Law

  (1:57 PM)

You owe everyone in this chat $5 for wasting our time with that. Put it in an envelope and address it to Sportsnation, c/o Lake Nobody Cares.

Derrick (Tulsa, OK)

Is Andy Oliver a sure fire 1st round pick next draft? What kind of upside do you think he has?

Keith Law

  (1:57 PM)

I think he is, and a #2 starter.

Brandon (Nashville)

Is it true that if MLB got rid of draft pick compensation for free agents, they could then set the range of the bonus for each pick? If so, since the team would know a scale going in for each pick, but they also would not get the extra picks for losing players, do you think it would help or hurt teams?

Keith Law

  (1:58 PM)

MLB would have to negotiate any changes to the draft like eliminating FA compensation, but if they did that, I believe they could impose a slotting system unilaterally, which will be followed by a massive lawsuit and potentially a court-ordered end to the draft. Good times. A strict slotting system would help teams because it holds down player bonuses and puts more money in billionaire owners' pockets.

Tony (Toronto)

KLaw, I'm not familiar with Robbie Shields or Ben Tootle - please tell me something about them. Also, since it's closing up soon, ever eat at Susur's in Toronto? How about George?

Keith Law

  (1:59 PM)

I wrote both guys up in my Cape top 20 - Shields is an offensive SS, might end up at 2b, exciting player with a quick bat and a solid approach; Tootle as a closer was up to 98 with a hammer CB, but will be starting for JSU in the spring.

Telemachus (Milwaukee)

Will you be in Milwaukee for the season finale vs Cubs or at any other point this fall?

Keith Law

  (2:00 PM)

My current plan is to hit that series on the final weekend.

A.J. (Chicago)

If the Padres end up with the 1st overall pick next year, will they take Strasburg or Matt Bush the second.

Keith Law

  (2:00 PM)

The non-Boras alternative to Strasburg is a decent drop in ability, so I imagine whoever picks first will take Strasburg barring injury.

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

But Quentin's OBP, SLG and OPS are all much higher than Pedroia's.

Keith Law

  (2:01 PM)

True, but Quentin plays a much easier defensive position and doesn't play it well, while Pedroia is a capable 2b. It's harder to find a 2b who can hit than a corner outfielder, so the same stats are more valuable from a 2b than they are from a LF.

Matt (Dorchester)

Keith, I'm reading this chat on Chrome - even your answers somehow appear clearer and faster. What would you do with Lugo for this year and beyond?

Keith Law

  (2:02 PM)

Utility player. It's easy to say get rid of him, but having a guy who can start sitting on your bench to fill in when Pedroia pulls a groin from overswinging or Lowell strains his oblique again is pretty valuable.

Nick (Cleveland)

This Santana guy we got for Blake, is he going to be a star or was he playing in a hitter's park?

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

Chance to be a star, at least an above-average regular behind the plate.

Derrick (Tulsa, OK)

Better overall CFer in 2012, Cedric Hunter or Dexter Fowler?

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

Fowler.

Kyle (Go Hoosiers)

Sorry, grew up watching IU baseball in Bloomington...not too often we have something worth bragging about!

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

Just be happy watching Phegley next year. Solid prospect at a premium position.

Kevin (San Diego)

What are your thoughts on Jaff Decker?...if you've scouted him.

Keith Law

  (2:04 PM)

I did scout him, twice. Can hit, great approach, good power now, maxed out physically, plus arm in an outfield corner.

You Know (Who I Am)

Luke Scott is no platoon player. He has a lifetime 870 OPS and a lifetime OPS against lefties of 775. He may be no star, but he is no platoon player.

Keith Law

  (2:04 PM)

An OPS of .775 from a corner outfielder is bad.

Matthew (ny)

Bleich, Brackman, Christian Garcia or Marquez?

Keith Law

  (2:05 PM)

Everyone healthy? Brackman. Although who knows what the real Christian Garcia is now.

Brian (NYC)

Keith...Tabata was having a brutal year before his trade to Pittsburg, but since then his numbers have been much better. Did the Yankees sell too soon on him, is this just a blip, or is he starting to flourish in a less stressful environment?

Keith Law

  (2:06 PM)

Might have been the wake-up call he needed. He'd been mailing it in all year up to the trade. I imagine being dealt from the organization that signed you, especially one as prestigious in Latin America as the Yankees, is a bucket of ice water over your head.

Nick (Boston)

Keith - what are Mr. Buchholz's chances of ever regaining his form? Is he still likely to be a #1 or #2 starter in the majors?

Keith Law

  (2:06 PM)

Yes, no way I'd give up on him. Chad Billingsley got knocked around in his first go-round in the bigs.

Ariel (Albany, NY)

Does Bobby parnell have a future in this league? Starter or Reliever

Keith Law

  (2:07 PM)

Reliever, potentially a good one.

Dan (DC)

What on earth should Baltimore do about its rotation next year? I know they are not ready to compete, and you don't want to spend a lot of money on free agents, but right now they have ONE guy set for the rotation in 2009 (Guthrie). How are they going to fill the other slots without rushing prospects? As a fan I can't stand another year trying out Olson/Liz/Burres et al.

Keith Law

  (2:08 PM)

I wouldn't give up on Olson. Liz belongs in a bullpen. Burres is filler. They'll have to hit the scrap heap to soak up some innings. And I think Matusz finishes the year in their rotation.

Joe (GR, MI)

Whats the worst MVP vote you've seen?

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

Andre Dawson. And the amazing thing is that the voters avoided the usual mistake (ignoring players on losing teams) and STILL screwed it up.

James (Boston, Ma.)

"Pedroia is ... is not even the best 2B in his league considering Kinsler does it from the lead off and without as much protection?" Doesn't Kinsler have the best hitting line up in the AL behind him IN one of the best hitters parks? He also has around 20 Es in the field.

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

I'm not disputing the point, but Pedroia isn't exactly hurt by his home park either.

Fred (Long Island)

Only 3 middle infielders (all shortstops) on your top 60 list -- is that a typical ratio from your past years' lists?

Keith Law

  (2:10 PM)

No, not at all. I tend to rate up the middle players highly, but this year's crop is wafer-thin.

Justin (Pittsburg, Ca)

Keith, Is Tim Lincecum the NL Cy Young winner?

Keith Law

  (2:10 PM)

Should be, but five more wins would help his probability.

Charlie (DC)

How about Dan's question for the Nats? Please replace Guthrie with Lannan, Olson/Liz/Burress with Hill/Perez/Redding.

Keith Law

  (2:12 PM)

Can I play the Arbitrary Endpoints Game for a moment? John Lannan's last twelve starts: 4.56 ERA, 71 IP, 43 K, 34 BB, 8 HR (good), 65 H. Even with a pretty low BABIP, he still hasn't been very good. I'd have a FOR SALE sign around his neck right about now. Zimmerman should get a shot to win a rotation job in ST.

Phil (Orlando)

So then uggla, playing in a pitchers park, with a higher OPS than Pedroia, is a legit mvp candidate then?

Keith Law

  (2:14 PM)

That's a logic FAIL. They're in different leagues and thus are compared to different player pools. Besides, Uggla isn't even the most valuable player on his own team - just look to the left.

You Know (Who I Am)

.775 for one split. .870 is above average. And does that make Hawpe (.748), JD Drew (.798) and Abreu (.767) platoon players as well? Not saying Scott is better than those guys, just saying that he is a regular, perhaps even an above average regular.

Keith Law

  (2:15 PM)

I don't actually know who you are. Hawpe's a platoon player, and a butcher in RF while we're at it. Abreu might be at this point in his career.

Scott (Aviano, Italy)

Who are the 5 best prospects in the Reds system right now? Are any of them ever going to be All-Stars? Also, please tell me they are going to bring Stubbs up to take Patterson's spot in the lineup.

Keith Law

  (2:17 PM)

Mesoraco, Alonso, Neftali Soto, Stubbs ... thins out a bit there, probably Frazier next, or Francisco or Buck. I haven't heard anything on a Stubbs callup.

drew (chicago)

Failblog! Also, what do you think of Via Matta in Boston? Used to like it when it forst opened, but it has gone downhill since. Would rather spend the money to fly in Italy and eat there.

Keith Law

  (2:18 PM)

We never eat Italian food out in Boston. Every place we tried failed to meet expectations. Plus that stuff is easy to make at home.

Charlie (DC)

Alright super, so Lannan stinks. Any hope for Balester? Otherwise there are 0 pitchers on their current roster that are worth a thing...

Keith Law

  (2:18 PM)

I don't know if Lannan stinks - just that he's not what he's perceived to be. Balester could be a 3/4. BTW, not that he pitches, but Milledge has been on a tear since coming off the DL.

Joseph Bait (Sheffield, GA)

Keith, do you have any personal issues with any members of the White Sox front office and/or team management? I'm not saying I disagree with anything you've said about their players or farm system, but if you do have any personal issues, I think full disclosure is important.

Keith Law

  (2:19 PM)

No. What a ridiculous question.

Mike, W,(NY)

If you were the Yanks GM next year who would be your top five guys you go after in orderMine would be CC, Tex, Burnett, Keep Abreu and Muss

Keith Law

  (2:20 PM)

The top two guys are great targets. I'd be wary of Burnett, who seems to pitch better when stakes is low. If Mussina will take a one-year deal, I'd bring him back.

Victor (NYC)

If Joba sustains another injury in '09, would you move him over to the pen to be setup and close after Mariano?

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Yes, if there's firm evidence that he can't handle starting, I'd shift him to the pen. But I don't think we're anywhere near that point. He's a starter.

Matt (Boston)

If you want fancy food in Boston, you have to be at l'Espalier, maybe Troquet.

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Didn't love Troquet. Food was just blah, and I'm not an oenophile.

Allyson, Dallas

Rangers top 10 prospects - 1. Feliz 2. Holland 3. Andrus 4. Smoak 5. Main 6. Ramirez 7. Beavan 8. Borbon 9. Engle Beltre 10. Kasey Kiker. Agree?

Keith Law

  (2:22 PM)

I'd probably go Feliz, Smoak, Main, Andrus, Holland, Ramirez, Borbon, Beavan, Ross, Beltre. But I reserve the right to change my mind.

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

I think Joseph's question stems from that trade with Toronto years ago when Kenny sent you damaged goods.

Keith Law

  (2:23 PM)

Predates me (and Ricciardi, for that matter).

Kirk (Mpls, MN)

Your pick- ChiSox or Twins for AL Central?

Keith Law

  (2:23 PM)

ChiSox. I just can't pick the Twins. I can't.

jon (chicago)

Did you forget Carlos Quentin when mentioning possible AL MVP candidates or do you not think he is in the conversation?

Keith Law

  (2:24 PM)

He's not in the top 5. We can conversate about him, but he's not in the top 5.

JC, Winnipeg

KLaw, have you come around on Brett Cecil as a starter? I seem to recall you thought he'd fit best as a reliever. Also.....might we have a Ricky Romero sighting next season? Finished up strong(ish) in AAA....

Keith Law

  (2:25 PM)

I liked his stuff to start (FB SL CB) but we had no evidence he could start, and the time I saw him try to get seven outs he wore down. I understand he's got a solid changeup now too. I have always thought that Romero would have value as a big-league reliever.

Johan (Twin city)

Red Sox top 5: Lars Anderson, Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick, Dan Bard, Michael Almanzar? agree? where do you thing Westmoreland and Kelly land on a potential list? Top 10? Top 15? Thanks for answering my question Keith, when will you get a GM job?

Keith Law

  (2:26 PM)

I'm fine with the first three, but I'd probably back those up with Kelly and Westmoreland. Bard scares me - the poor command, the fact that they don't like to use him in leveraged situations. If Richie Lentz ever throws more strikes (and he might not), he'll shoot to the majors and into those leveraged innings.

Andy (Brooklyn)

"When the stakes is low?" What would your English teacher say?

Keith Law

  (2:27 PM)

That De La Soul is dead?

Keith Law

  (2:27 PM)

Thanks for all the questions - I'll be back next week!