ESPN

Jim Callis

  (2:02 PM)

Hi, everyone. I've got to duck out 10 minutes early to make a phone call, but we'll get to plenty of your questions before then.

Joe (Albany)

Jim- Dodgers sign Pudge to spell Martin once a week or will he find a full time job somewhere?

Jim Callis

  (2:03 PM)

I'd be very surprised if Rodriguez would want to be a backup. Enough teams need catchers that he should be able to find at least a one-year deal to be a starter.

Jeff (Dayton)

Matt LaPorta gets sent home from Venezuela the day before BA ranks him #2 in the Cleveland system? If you get a do-over, do you change his placement at all? What is LaPorta's deal? Is he still showing the side-effects of that concussion?

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

I wouldn't. Don't put too much stock in winter stats, they're no be-all and end-all. The Latin American leagues have a win-at-all-costs mentality, and with LaPorta struggling, he got sent home. Brandon Wood got sent home, too. They're both still very good prospects.

Terry, NY

Who won the Crisp-Ramirez deal today?

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

I was surprised the Red Sox didn't get more for Crisp, and relievers are volatile, so I'll say the Royals. This deal will help Kansas City more than it will help Boston.

Luke (Des Moines)

What do you think of John Shelby from the White Sox organization? Will he be a first-division regular? What is his ETA? Thanks.

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

Maybe, but he has a ways to go. I'm not sure he's going to stick in CF, and he's not a first-division regular on a corner. Decent prospect though, one of the best in the White Sox system.

Luke (Des Moines)

Okay Jim. Matt Wieters and David Price are clearly 1-2. Who is your #3 prospect in baseball?

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

I have not put a lot of thought into this yet. Off the top of my head, maybe Pedro Alvarez.

Sean (Boston)

Jim, if the union really is pressuring CC to take the highest offer, isn't that kinda sad? Shouldn't an athlete who works hard to be as good as CC is be able to choose the location and circumstances that would make him happiest without the union putting pressure on him? Guys are gonna get paid well regardless of how much he signs for. Is the union really that shallow?

Jim Callis

  (2:09 PM)

Well, C.C. can choose wherever he wants to go. This is nothing new, the union wants the best players to take their highest offer, so it can pull up the salaries of other players. So the union theoretically is trying to serve its members' best interests. C.C. can do whatever he wants, though.

Dave (Raleigh, NC)

I felt the same about the KC deal, not because I am a Royals fan, but that Ram Ram was the ultimate buy low (acquired for Jorge De La Rosa, essentially) a year ago. Now, what about Teahen and Buck to the Cubs for Fontenot, Theriot or Cedeno and a reliever?

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

Sounds like a Teahen for Fontenot or Cedeno deal is in the works.

Ross (CA)

Cain for Brandon Wood and Adenhart; who hangs up first?

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

Giants. Why give up the sure thing?

Paul, NJ

Jim, could either Jeff Marquez or Aaron Poreda make a positive contribution to the CWS rotation in 2009?

Jim Callis

  (2:11 PM)

I think that would be asking too much. Marquez was pretty ordinary in the minors this year, and Poreda isn't ready yet.

Jake (KC)

I noticed Wes Hodges isn't in the Cleveland top 10, after ranking 4th last year. Has the system improved that much, or has he regressed?

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

The system is improving. It's one of the better systems in baseball.

Kent (New York)

After the Aaron Crow debacle, do the Nats still take Strasburg #1 this spring despite what his rumored salary demands are going to be? What should they do at 10?

Jim Callis

  (2:13 PM)

They need to take the best available player with both picks, especially at No. 1. You get what you pay for in the draft.

mark, ct

Is their any chance to reduce the gap between northern and southern schools in the future?

Jim Callis

  (2:15 PM)

I think that will be tough. When it comes to choosing schools, warm weather is going to win out over cold weather. I live outside of Chicago, and most of the Upper Midwest's best prospects head south to warmer schools.

Jeff (NYC)

Would you give up Hughes and Kennedy for Peavy?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

If I'm the Yankees, I'd rather sign a couple of free agents and hold onto my young pitching as well.

Lou (Boulder, CO)

Thanks for chatting Jim. How does one get the number one prospect in their system in exchange for Casey Blake? How is that possible?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

When the Dodgers made deals this season, they did not want to pick up any major league salary. To pull that off while getting Blake and Manny Ramirez they had to give up better prospects than they otherwise would have had to.

Polly, Montgomery AL

Excitement level for Sunday's "24 Redemption", on a scale from 1-10?

Jim Callis

  (2:18 PM)

7. Would be higher if I weren't so busy and last season hadn't been weak and 18 months ago.

Justin Smoak (Peoria, AZ)

Are you impressed with what I'm doing in the AFL? Or is this what you would have expected?

Jim Callis

  (2:19 PM)

Impressed but not surprised.

Chris (San Diego, CA)

Any hope for the Friars in the near future?

Jim Callis

  (2:19 PM)

I don't see a lot of reason for hope. The major league team isn't very good, the minor league system is middle of the pack and they're cutting costs. Not a good combination.

Jay (Hershey, PA)

Do you see David Price getting a rotation spot out of spring training? If not, how long will he remain in the pen?

Jim Callis

  (2:20 PM)

Yes, I do. I don't see how the Rays can hold him back.

Rob (NY, NY)

Jim, given the O's needs, wouldnt they be better off trading Matt Weiters to Boston for Lowrie, Anderson, and a couple their top minor league pitchers? Isnt that a win-win for both teams?

Jim Callis

  (2:22 PM)

You win with stars, and Wieters looks like a huge star. I like Lars Anderson as much as anyone, but I'm not trading Wieters for four lesser players if I'm the Orioles.

Brian Cashman (Bronx, NY)

Jim, please help me out: 5/80 for AJ Burnett, 3/48 for Derek Lowe or 3/42 for Ben Sheets?

Jim Callis

  (2:23 PM)

If those are my three options, I'd take Lowe, but he won't come that cheap. But the Yankees can afford more than one of those guys at any price.

Tom (Buffalo, NY)

Hi Jim--- who's better going forward Ryan Sweeney of Shin Soo Choo?

Jim Callis

  (2:23 PM)

Choo.

Steve (NYC)

Surprised that the Sox are chasing Burnett? They have Buchholz, Bowden and even Masterson, now that Ramirez is on board, to compete for the 5th spot.

Jim Callis

  (2:24 PM)

Not really. You can never have too much starting pitching and owner John Henry always has loved Burnett.

Steve (NYC)

What does the future hold for Adam Miller? I hope it's not more extended DL stints, but I'm not holding my breath.

Jim Callis

  (2:24 PM)

Future closer for the Indians. He just doesn't seem to be able to hold up as a starter.

Harold, Phoenix

Do the Cubs get Peavy?

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

I still think the Braves will. Of the teams who seem to be in the running, they seem to make the best fit in terms of having talent and being willing to give it up. If it's a rumored package of Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez and a young arm or two, I don't think the Padres can do better than that.

Jeff (NYC)

Any disagreements with Pujols and Pedroia as league MVPs?

Jim Callis

  (2:27 PM)

Not in this corner. Pujols was clearly the best player in the NL in my mind. There were a few deserving candidates in the AL, Pedroia among them, but no one who stood out like Pujols.

Pete, Cincy, OH

I keep hearing the Yankkees want to sign 2 free agent pitchers. Adding Wang, Chamberlain and Hughes makes 5. If Pettite and Mussina come back, that makes 7. Kennedy would make 8. what gives?

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

Again, you can never have too much pitching. Wang, Chamberlain and Hughes all were hurt last year and Kennedy was terrible. Mussina finally won 20 games, but he was terrible in 2007--he's no sure thing. Even Pettitte isn't what he once was. The Yankees are just trying to give themselves plenty of options, which makes sense.

John Cincinnati, Ohio

Before the year started Ronny Cedeno was viewed as equal to or better than Ryan Theriot. Still feel that way?

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

I felt that way, but I don't any longer. I thought Cedeno would hit more consistently, but he hasn't. I wouldn't mind taking a shot on Cedeno if I needed a SS, but he's probably not going to be more than a decent regular, if that.

Matt (Huntington Beach, CA)

Thanks for your time to impart some knowlege, Jim...what do you think the A's would have to give up to get a guy like Hardy? The masses seem to be calling for Crosby's head.

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

Young pitching . . . and the A's have plenty to spare.

Nick (Cleveland)

So Adam Miller the new Brad Lidge?

Jim Callis

  (2:30 PM)

Very well could be. Lidge couldn't stay healthy as a starter, either. Before them, neither could Robb Nen.

Lorenzo (Milwaukee)

Which SS in Cleveland's system has a higher ceiling in your view - Rivero or Chisenhall?

Jim Callis

  (2:31 PM)

Chisenhall, though Rivero has a better chance to stay at SS.

Eric (Atlanta)

"Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez and a young arm or two" Is that too much for the Braves to give up?

Jim Callis

  (2:33 PM)

I've said in the past that I don't think Peavy alone makes the Braves realistic contenders, and he's not cheap salary-wise either. I don't mind trading Hernandez with Jordan Schafer on hand. I'd try to hold onto Escobar and give them Brent Lillibridge or Brandon Hicks. The Padres seem determined to trade Peavy, and everyone knows it.

Ryan (NY)

I was surprised when Rondon didn't crack the CLE Top 10. What held him back? After a strong high A season, he seems set to begin 09 in AA at age 21.

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

Just the amount of talent in that system. We discussed Rondon, like Wes Hodges, but there wasn't room for everyone. You'll have to buy <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/store/store.cgi?browse=cat_books">the 2009 Prospect Handbook</a> to get those scouting reports.

Josh (columbus)

Everyone seemed to rip the Chisenhall pick after the draft, yet he makes the top seven in a loaded farm system. Did you like the pick when they made it?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

It surprised me a little but he did have one of the best pure bats in the draft. And the Red Sox might have taken Chisenhall with the next pick if the Indians hadn't.

Mike(chicago)

Trading Ceda for Gregg seems like a bad move for the Cubs. Seems like Ceda, at least, could have been a chip in a trade for a bigger piece. Am I wrong?

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

Nope, not wrong. I agree with you. I see why they got Gregg, to make up for the loss of Wood, whom I too would have been leery about giving a multiyear contract. I just look at the what the Marlins got for Mike Jacobs, Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham, and I would have thought they would have taken less than Ceda for Gregg.

Albert Pujols (St. Louis)

My contract is up in 2010. Will St. Louis Give me an extension this year, or will I be playing for someone else in 2 years?

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

I'll bet on the extension.

Kelsey (Groves, TX)

Are you surprised Brian Bogusevic is hitting so well after taking 3 years off at the plate?

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Yes. Not surprised that he can hit but that he has been so good so quickly after barely swinging a bat for three years. That said, I'm still not sold that he's a tremendous prospect or anything.

Nick Swisher (WV)

I will hit 260 with 25 hrs and 80 rbi's for the Yankees this year!

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

I agree, and play good defense at first base. I liked that pickup for the Yankees. Swisher sure cost the Yankees a lot less than he cost the White Sox a year ago.

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Let's move to the lightning round . . .

Ethan (MA)

Adam Loewen as a hitter, Ben Davis as a pitcher, or Andruw Jones as an eater?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Jones is probably better at eating than those other two guys at those pursuits. I do think Loewen might make it as a hitter, though.

Jack (Toronto)

Jim, I'm long-time BA subscriber. Can Fukudome right the ship? He looked as awful at the end of the year as he looked good at the start...

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

I wouldn't bank on Fukudome righting the ship.

Brandon (huntsvile, al)

m. owings - SP or OF?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

SP.

Ross (CA)

After seeing their performances at the MLB level, who do you choose for the future: Justin Upton or Jay Bruce?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

I'm going to say Bruce, tough call though.

Dale (Calvert City KY)

Pie or Fukudome....better in CF if Cubs gave both a full season?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Pie. Not sure there'd be much difference in offense, and I'd rather have Pie's defense and speed.

rich (DC)

NYY CF: a) Melky b) Gardner c) other

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Other.

John (mo)

Ryan Ludwick next year? As good or drops off a little?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

I'll take the under.

Mark (ct)

better career buccholz or hughes

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Buchholz.

alex (lexington)

instead of going after teahen or even brian roberts why dont the cubs go after nick markakis or a younger left handed hitter

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Not sure why the Orioles would want to trade Markakis.

Jay, Melville

Jim, What is Gordon Beckham's ETA in Chicago?Thanks

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Mid-2010.

Michael (Baltimore MD)

Nunez or Texiera in the Whitesox/Yankee trade?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Nunez.

George (NY)

Yankees CF: Jim Edmonds 1 year deal or trade for Cameron?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Trading for Cameron sounds more likely.

Sheila:(Daly City, CA)

Buster Posey plays in __________ next season and bats ________ in the lineup?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

high Class A, third

Mike (CT)

Is Hochevar ever going to pan out?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

I'm far from the biggest fan. I'll put it this way: I don't think he'll justify being the No. 1 overall pick or a high first-round pick.

Alex (Cambridge, MA)

Better CF prospect: Jordan Schafer or Austin Jackson?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

I like Schafer a little more.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

Who's a better fit in the outfield for the Mets: Manny or Abreu?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Manny, easily. His bat is that much better.

Scott Ames, IA

2009 Marlins 3rd basemen is?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Might be Dan Uggla.

Vince PA

crazy trade sceanario...lars anderson, clay bucholtz, daniel bard, Michael Bowden, and Stolmy Pimentel for Albert Pujols...what do you think fair?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

I think crazy. Cardinals aren't trading Pujols, especially for guys who have yet to prove themselves in the majors. The Red Sox would make that trade in about three seconds . . . See, I don't just pick on Yankees fans for crazy trade proposals.

Joe: (Chicago, IL)

What is the ceiling for Josh Reddick?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Ceiling: all-star. Likelihood: Solid regular.

Pat (Atl)

If the Sox sign Texiera what do you do with Lars?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

He's spending 2009 in Triple-A in any case. You worry about 2010 when 2010 gets here. A lot can change in a year.

Scott Ames, IA

L Morrison or G Sanchez. Which is the better 1st basemen?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Logan Morrison. Every scout I've talked to who saw the AFL this fall has raved about Morrison.

Doug (NY)

Yankees starting CF in 2010: Jackson or other?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Jackson.

Andrew (Harrisburg,PA)

How much longer do you see this Jake Peavy thing dragging out?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

He'll have a new address by the end of the Winter Meetings, probably before.

Alex( Atlanta, Ga)

What do you think about how well Tyler Flowers and Tommy Hanson are doing in the AFL?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

They were good prospects to begin with and have enhanced their stock. Hanson has been the best pitcher out there.

Andrew (St Louis)

The Rangers make the playoffs in...

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

2011.

Jim (Pittsburgh, PA)

Pirates win total in 2009?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

76.

Jay(Toronto)

Pick 1 for the Jays rotation: Cecil, Purcey or Romero

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Cecil.

Matt (Huntington Beach, CA)

Eveland, Mazarro, Crosby for Hardy. Would this get it done?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Brewers don't need Crosby and wouldn't want to pay him with Alcides Escobar close to ready.

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Have to run and make a phone call . . . see you next week.