Jim Callis

  (2:00 PM)

Hi, everyone. Who would have thought we'd still be waiting for Game Five to end when I chatted today?

Max (Norfolk)

Jim- Are you sold on Ethier? Is he more than a 4th outfielder?

Jim Callis

  (2:01 PM)

I am. He's better than I thought he was going to be. Don't think he'll be a star but he can be a solid regular.

Joe (Chicago, IL)

There are rumors that the Red Sox will go after Tex. My question is that if that happens, what will they do with Lars Anderson, one of the top sluggers in the minors and who also plays first base?

Jim Callis

  (2:03 PM)

Most teams, especially contenders, worry about the present now and the future later. The Red Sox will play Anderson in the minors next year and it's possible he won't be ready to be a regular until the end of 2010. So they wouldn't have to figure it all out for a couple of years.

Jason (Bergenfield, NJ)

How down should Mets fans be about Ike Davis going homerless at Brooklyn?

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

Not a good sign, because power is why he went in the first round. I wouldn't get too alarmed about a guy's stats in his pro debut, but that's at least a red flag.

Garrett (CT)

Is Austin Jackson going to be a star center fielder for the Yankees or should they consider dealing him while his value is so high?

Jim Callis

  (2:07 PM)

I don't think he's going to be a star. I like Jackson, and I think he's New York's top prospect right now, but I think he's more of a solid regular.

Jon (Tulsa, OK)

Do you think a Braves offer of Schafer, K. Johnson, and Rohrborough (maybe throwing in Brandon Jones) would be sufficient to get Peavy, since the Braves appear dead-set on not trading Hanson or Heyward (for which, as a Braves fan, I am pleased)? It sounds like the Pads may not be getting the offers they expected, but that would give them an above-average 2B, CF of the (near) future, and a potential #3 SP.

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

If they're insistent on trading Peavy for financial reasons, they'd have to consider that offer. I still think the Braves are better off not dealing for Peavy, because they're not just one pitcher away.

brad(detroit)

Jim, hear me out. If the Dodgers are unable to resign Manny, wouldn't it make sense for them to go after Magglio? The Tigers want to dump some payroll and they could probably even eat some of Magglio's remaining contract. Would a package of James McDonald and DeJesus be fair? What about Maggs straight up for Russ Martin? I understand they Dodgers are actually looking to trade him while the Tigers desperately need a catcher.

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

It all depends on how much of Ordonez' contract the Tigers would pick up. But honestly, the Dodgers already have more outfielders than they know what to do with, so I don't see them adding Magglio.

Ethan (Pittsfield)

Were the reports that once called Andrew Miller a future Randy Johnson completely off or does he have the ability to rise to those lofty lefty levels at some point in his career?

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

The pure stuff isn't far off, but I'm not sure Miller is going to have the command or the drive to justify those comparisons. I'm not saying he's soft or lazy, but I've not sure he has the drive to be great.

Jake, Miami

Any chance the Rays pull it off and win it all?

Jim Callis

  (2:11 PM)

If they win tonight's continuation, I think the pitching matchups favor them in each of the next two games. But it's still a longshot.

J.P. (Springfield, IL)

Please, please, please tell me that Maddon has woken up and will give Price the green light to pitch the remainder of Game 5. He's certainly more than well rested.

Jim Callis

  (2:13 PM)

I don't think there has been an official announcement, and there's no reason for Maddon not to keep the Phillies guessing. But this seems like the obvious move.

Peter, Stamford

Hi Jim - please rank: Carlos Santana, JP Arencibia, Conger based on bat and likelihood to stay behind the dish. Peter

Jim Callis

  (2:14 PM)

I'll take that order. I'm not sold that Conger can stay healthy enough to stay behind the plate.

Justin (Nashville, TN)

Do you think grooming Andrew Cashner to be a starter is a good idea?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

Personally, no. Most clubs use relief prospects as starters for a while to get them regular innings and to make them work on secondary pitches. But Cashner's stuff played up huge this year when he moved to the bullpen, and I'm not sold that he has the command or third pitch to be a starter. I bet the Cubs move him back to the bullpen in a couple of years.

Mitch (CA)

With the Angels not picking up Anderson's option, is this a clear sign that they are going to pull out all the stops to sign Teixeira?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

Not really. Just a clear sign that Anderson wasn't worth a $14 million salary in 2009.

Peter, Stamford

Is Tillman (BLT) in your top 10 prospects at the moment?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

Not quite that high but he's on the short list of the best pitchers in the minors.

Rob (NJ)

Is there any concerns about Joba Chamberlain's future role with the Yankees? I know he's super talented but I'm worried he won't be able to hold up a full MLB season as a starter, do you think the Yankees are concerned as well and do they give him this year to see if he can and if he can't does that mean he'll be the closer in 2010?

Jim Callis

  (2:19 PM)

There has to be some concern, because he hasn't held up over a full season as a starter since 2005, and that was a short college season at Nebraska. The Yankees will handle him carefully. Ideally, he'd be a starter, but he has yet to prove he can handle close to 200 major league innings in one year.

Joel (Bham, WA)

Hi Jim - Should the Mariners sign Fields or would they find better value at pick 20a in the 2009 draft? Does the fact that Boras represents Fields and will also probably represent whoever the Mariners take with the #2 overall pick have any effect on the decision to sign Fields?

Jim Callis

  (2:21 PM)

I think both sides are in a good position. The Mariners perhaps could find a better value in next year's draft, and at the same time Fields might find more money if he lights up indy ball. Will be interesting to see how the new regime in Seattle deals with this situation. I don't think it will have much effect on negotiations with next year's No. 2 pick. If the Mariners let Fields walk and take a Boras client at No. 2, it's not like Boras will refuse to negotiate.

Andrew (Daly City, CA)

What is Jeremy Bleich's potential upside? A #3 or #4 starter on a good team?

Jim Callis

  (2:22 PM)

That's fair.

Vince PA

With Game 5 of the World Series being played today...what do you think of starting Brett Myers, I know it's only 3 innings but he's a much better pitcher at home than on the road (era home 3.01 vs 6.21 on the road).

Jim Callis

  (2:23 PM)

I wouldn't do that. I'd use Durbin and Romero vs. the bottom of the Rays order in the seventh, then turn it over to Madson and Lidge.

Ryan, Ottawa

Matt Bush? Another sad story or will we just have to wait a while??

Jim Callis

  (2:23 PM)

I think it's safe to give up on Matt Bush.

Dan (Okinawa, Japan)

What would it take for the Cubs to pry Peavy from the Padres? Fukudome, Marshall, Ceda and Cedeno a good start?

Jim Callis

  (2:25 PM)

That seems like a lot of spare parts to me. The Cubs system is not as strong as it has been. I guess they could go after Peavy with something like Pie, Vitters and Ceda but that might not get it done either. Of course, if the Padres HAVE to trade Peavy, they might not get full value, as with the Twins and Santana.

Chris (Alabama)

What do you see the Rays' rotation looking like next year? Assuming Price is in, who do you boot? Does Jackson become a closer or set-up man? Shields-Kazmir-Garza-Price-Sonnanstine --- WOW!

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

I boot Jackson, and there's more pitching on the way. Wade Davis isn't too far away and there are a bunch of younger arms too.

Dave (San Diego)

Re: Price coming in to pitch. The pitcher spot comes up 4th in the Rays' order to start the game. I would think they would like to hold off Price until that spot passes.

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

They could do that or they could try to double-switch too. Facing elimination, I'd be most concerned with getting my best pitcher in the game pronto.

Kevin (New Brunswick, NJ)

Hey Jim, does Jake McGee have to be protected in this off-season's Rule 5 draft, or does the injury exempt him? Thanks!

Jim Callis

  (2:30 PM)

He'll need to be protected, the injury has nothing to do with Rule 5 status.

Rory(Sacramento)

Have you ever considered why it is that you are higher on Red Sox prospects than all of your colleagues? Not that they don't like them too, but that you seem to routinely rank them a few spots higher than your colleagues do.

Jim Callis

  (2:32 PM)

Probably because I do our Red Sox prospect coverage and you tend to rank guys higher if you know more about them. Not saying I haven't missed on anyone, but I also don't feel bad about touting Papelbon and Anderson before anyone else did.

Kevin (County Ct.)

Do you think Price can be truly dominant long term with his current 2 nasty pitches or does he need to develop a change or cutter to be truly elite over his career?

Jim Callis

  (2:33 PM)

He has a good changeup that he needs to trust more. He could probably dominate with the fastball and slider, and the changeup will make him that much tougher.

Arin (ca)

How close to being big league ready is Jordan Schafer?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

Pretty close, though another half-season in the minors wouldn't hurt. Nice year after the HGH-related suspension, and I'll note that we don't even know what exactly he got suspended for.

Joe (Philly)

How would the double switch with Price work out? Wouldn't they have to switch out someone in the top of the order or wait and see if they go down 1-2-3 in the top of the 7th?

Jim Callis

  (2:35 PM)

Bad point on my part. They could double-switch, but you wouldn't want to double-switch the obvious spots in the lineup out of the game. I'd still go with Price and not fool around.

Tim (KC)

Didn't Wade Davis have TJ surgery?

Jim Callis

  (2:35 PM)

No, that was Jake McGee.

Mike (Milwaukee)

The Brewers claimed third baseman Casey McGehee from the Cubs today. What's his ceiling? realistic expectations?

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

He's a fringe bench player who can catch a little. I doubt he'll have much impact on the Brewers.

Arin (ca)

Is Nick Noonan the 2nd baseman of the future for the Giants? If so when is eta?

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

He is, with an ETA of mid-2011.

Chris (NYC)

Feliz or Porcello? And when can either be expected to contribute?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

Feliz. Both need at least another full season in the minors, no need to rush them.

Gavin (Berkshire County)

What to you think of Alexei Ramirez? Is he going to be a star now that he has a full time gig?

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

He played pretty regularly this year, too. He's so aggressive at the plate that I see him as more of a solid regular than a star. Not sure why anyone throws him strikes.

Shawn (NYC)

Any thoughts on Amaro taking over for Gillick?

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

I think Mike Arbuckle would be a more deserving choice after his role in building the Phillies.

Robb (Colorado)

Jim, Please answer; who gets traded this winter Atkins or Holliday? I would trade Holliday as he is not worth $25mm year for 6 yrs.

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

Sounds like both could be headed out of town, Holliday because he's getting expensive and Atkins because Ian Stewart is ready.

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Let's start the lightning round a few minutes early today . . .

Dennis (San Diego, Ca)

Who's young talent has them closer to competing in the NL Weak, Giants or Padres?

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Giants, though they're a few years away.

Mr Must See TV

Niese or Chris Friedrich?

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Friedrich.

Brandon

Kendry Morales's stat line over a full season look like?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

.275, 25 HR.

Shawn (NYC)

Marathon chat in honor of marathon Game 5?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Sorry, I have AL East Top 10 Prospects lists to edit.

Phil McCracken, Worcester, MA

Kennedy or Bowden? Kennedy or Bard?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Bowden. Bard.

Mike: (SLC UT)

the A's 10th round pick Rashun Dixon whats his timetable and celling. Your draft report card was pretty high on him

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Great athlete, will need time to develop, at least three years away.

Nick (Mineola)

Sonnanstine or Guthrie?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Guthrie.

Arin (ca)

Chris Coghlan is currently blocked by Uggla, what are the Marlins going to do with him? What is Chris' upside?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Coghlan is solid. Uggla eventually will become too expensive and the Marlins will trade him.

Steve (IL)

SS - Truinfel or Andrus?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Andrus. I don't think Triunfel stays at SS.

Daniel (Anaheim, CA)

Adenhart - top of the rotation, middle, back, or long reliever

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Middle.

Bobby (Detroit)

Tigers future closer: Zumaya, Perry, Other?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Perry.

Kurt (Chicago, IL)

Best guess - Where does Peavy end up?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Braves.

Darryl in Atlanta

O, ye of little faith last week. Dawgs or Gators?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

I know, I know, I was just being honest. Would be nice to get an interception TD right off the bat again. I'll take Georgia over Florida. I don't get worked up over college football, but if Georgia runs the table and wins the SEC title game and doesn't go to the national championship game, that's a farce.

Arin (ca)

Noonan or Coghlan?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Noonan, but it's close.

James (North East, MD)

AL East Top 10 Prospect lists, huh? Ok, who is the Orioles' #2 Prospect? Matusz or Tillman?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Tillman.

Ryan (Philly)

Gillick a HOF GM?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Easily.

Evan (Saratoga Springs,NY)

Hagadone's upside or Kennedy?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Hagadone. He's coming back nicely from Tommy John surgery, too.

Nick (Long Island, NY)

Wilmer Flores or Tim Beckham?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Beckham, because he'll stay at SS.

Kevin (New Brunswick, NJ)

Would you take a 1-loss Georgia team over an undefeated Penn State team?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Don't get me started. Yes, in a heartbeat. That 1-loss Georgia team would have beaten LSU, Florida and Alabama (in the SEC title game), all better than anyone Penn State has beaten. The Big Ten is way down.

Craig (Norwich, CT)

Best all-time name in baseball? I've always liked Wonderful Monds & Scarborough (SP?) Green

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Pork Chop Pough was one of my all-time favorites.

Ian Kennedy, Bronx, NY

Why do you hate me so? I am not so bad. 4th starter maybe?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Don't hate you, just like the other guys I've been asked about today better. You can be a No. 4, sure.

Paul (NYC, NY)

Chamberlain or Verlander?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Verlander, because we just don't know if Joba can hold up as a starter.

Mike Pelfrey (Queens, NY)

Stop complaining Ian.. he doesn't hate you nearly as much as he hates me!!!

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Hey, you're a No. 3!

Eric (Atlanta)

Hanson or Bowden? I have to keep asking you because you are the only one in America who says Bowden.

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Really? When did I say that? I'd take Hanson but would submit that the difference isn't as great as you might think.

Ben(Tampa)

If Florida wins out, same story as the Dawgs, 1 loss Fla in the BCS title game?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Yes. I have no problems with undefeated Texas (or even one-loss Texas) as a deserving BCS title game choice. But the Big Ten is down, and I wouldn't take one-loss USC over a one-loss SEC team.

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

I apparently am getting worked up.

Steve (IL)

OF prospects - Westmoreland (BOS)or Austin (Hou)

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Westmoreland. Both VG athletes, but I think Westmoreland has a better chance to hit.

Phil Hughes (AFL)

Do you hate me?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

You know I don't. I have more faith in you than most people do.

Vinny (NY)

Jim, why does it take so long for young (in the 20's not teenagers) baseball players to make it to the majors? In basketball and football the elite players coming out of college have an impact right away, but baseball players take atleast a year to "develop"

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

I think the biggest difference is there's less sheer athleticism and more fine skill involved (with hitting or pitching, as opposed to running or shooting or whatever). Also college football and basketball are closer to the NFL and NBA than amateur baseball is to MLB.

Nick (NJ)

PSU in the BCS title game would set up a "great" USC-OSU rematch in the Rose Bowl though. Aren't you just too excited for that.........

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Is Ohio State really going to a BCS bowl though? I guess they would in that scenario. Ugh.

Mike (CT)

Who's winning the college world series this year?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

I'll ask our college guru, Aaron Fitt and get back to you on that one. Too early for me to know much about the colleges.

Fred (Dtown)

Tell me something exciting about the Texas Rangers' prospects. This depressed Rangers fan needs something to look forward to.

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

The Rangers have the best farm system in baseball, including plenty of much-needed pitching. That should excite you.

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Aaron says Texas A&M.

Scott (D.C.)

PSU has won its last 3 bowl games. Tennesse, Florida State, T A&M. Do not equate Ohio State/Jim Tressel'failures to conference-wide Big Ten failures.

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

I'm not, just saying that their strength of schedule can't compare to the other contenders. Penn State would not run the table in the SEC or Big 12. No way.

Mike (CHI)

You see Matt Kemp developing into a big time middle of the order hitter?

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

I still do.

Mike (CT)

Tell Aaron how he sees anyone stoping UNC's amazing pitching staff?

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

I know he's worried about the Tar Heels lineup.

Jamie (DC)

Could Jackson be the next Bernie Williams, or is that too high a ceiling for him?

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

That's the ceiling, but I don't think he'll be quite that good.

Bake McBride, Cleveland

The Yankees farm system, or Penn State Football?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Ha! Penn State has a terrific team, I just hate their cupcake schedule (though it's not their fault the Big Ten is weak). I'll give them the edge. The Yankees system is decent to solid right now, not terrific.

Mike (San Diego)

With Cedric Hunter and Will Venable in center, are the Padres not as desperate for a CF as it seems?

Jim Callis

  (3:02 PM)

I don't think either guy is a long-term solution.

Nick (NJ)

Brett Gardner: Starting CF (most Yankee fans) or 5th OF (rest of the country)?

Jim Callis

  (3:03 PM)

Can I split the difference and say 4th OF?

John (NY)

Is the Mets farm system at least improving?

Jim Callis

  (3:04 PM)

Yes. They've been more impressive internationally than in the draft.

Ozzie (Chicago)

Hey pick the Indians to win the AL Central please.

Jim Callis

  (3:05 PM)

They will be my pick in 2009.

Steve (Toronto, Ontario)

Matusz or Strasburg?

Jim Callis

  (3:05 PM)

I'd take Strasburg, but I'm more torn than you might think.

Eric (Basalt, CO)

Yankees prospect most likely to surprise next year?

Jim Callis

  (3:07 PM)

Not sure it would be a surprise, but I can see a healthy Andrew Brackman taking a big step forward in 2009.

Nick (Long Island, NY)

Better rotation in 2011: Rays or Orioles?

Jim Callis

  (3:08 PM)

Rays. Orioles do have some promising youngsters, but the Rays have promising youngsters and established big leaguers.

Jim Callis

  (3:09 PM)

Both a chicken burrito from Chipotle's and the Orioles Top 10 list are calling me, so I must run. See you next week.