Jim Callis

  (2:03 PM)

Hi, everyone. Hope everyone will have a fine Thanksgiving tomorrow. Let's chew on some baseball questions for the next hour . . .

Otto (CA)

Where do you got George Kottars playing on opening day? He don't have any options left.

Jim Callis

  (2:03 PM)

He might be the backup in Boston, but no way he's the starter and he might be a more likely candidate for the waiver wire. He's an OK prospect, but he didn't make the Red Sox Top 30 I wrote.

Jeff (KCMO)

Mike Moustakas starts his first game for the Royals at: _______(pos) in _____ (mo/yr)? Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

RF, Sept. 2010.

Fred, Cal

Betances for Ankiel? Ankiel in cf resign him jackson in cf, ankiel in rf in 2010.

Jim Callis

  (2:05 PM)

No way. Betances is too far away and unrefined to trade Ankiel for him straight up.

Steve ATL

Hi Jim, If Junichi Tarzawa signs with the Sox, does he make their top ten? If so, where? Thanks

Jim Callis

  (2:06 PM)

Tazawa would make their Top 10, somewhere in the 6-10 range.

Ben (Centerville, OH)

Juan Francisco was added to the Reds 40 man roster, which I found suprising because he would not have been rule 5 eligable and he has yet to play above A ball and still shows a big lack of plate awareness. Why did the Reds put him on the 40 man before they had too instead of protecting guys that could be taken like Sean Henry, Pedro Viola, or Shaun Cumberland?

Jim Callis

  (2:09 PM)

He would have been Rule 5 eligible--this is the fifth Rule 5 draft since he signed in 2004. He didn't play until 2005, but he signed in 2004. There has been a lot of confusion about Rule 5 eligibility this offseason, so let's clear that one up.

Jumpin' Atlanta Ga

Can Jason Donald fill in for Utley for 2 months and give the World Champion Phils (Yea!)above average on base percentage like a .375?

Jim Callis

  (2:11 PM)

I wouldn't expect a .375 OBP from Donald as a rookie, but he's a good prospect who should be able to fill in capably for Utley. He won't be Utley, but he won't be terrible either.

Ben (Centerville, OH)

Rumors are floating around the Reds that they are in talks with the White Sox about trading Homer Bailey and a B level OF prospect (Shaun Cumberland?) to the Sox for Jermaine Dye? Who wins in that deal, and would you make that trade if you were the Reds?

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

The White Sox have done a nice job working with other teams' first-round pitchers (Jon Garland, John Danks, Gavin Floyd). Dye is going to be 35 next year and while that deal might help the Reds in 2009, it won't make the Reds a contender by itself and they'd be risking that Bailey turns into what they originally thought he could be.

Kyle (Fort Lauderdale)

Jim, Rule 5 Question. Sean West signed on his 19th birthday, but was drafted at 18. Why is he not eligible this year for the rule 5 draft. There have been 4 rule 5 drafts since he signed his 1st contract at age 19.

Jim Callis

  (2:13 PM)

This is a good example to illustrate the rule. It's not your age on the day you sign, it's your age on the June 5 preceding your signing. West (born June 15, 1986) was 18 on that June 5, so he's safe for another year.

Mark (Boston)

How worried should the Red Sox be about Westmoreland's shoulder?

Jim Callis

  (2:14 PM)

Not too much. He may lose some development time but it won't affect him in the long term. And even if it did, his arm is well down the list of reasons why the Red Sox signed him for $2 million. He'll still be a stud athlete with power and speed.

Ron, (Harmony, PA)

What is your impression of Brad Lincoln and his comeback from Tommy John surgery? Should his second half last year be cause for concern or just part of the process when coming back from such an injury?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

Just part of the process--the command and breaking ball usually have a long way to go in the first year back. I still believe in Brad Lincoln, very eager to see how he does in 2009.

Mike (IA)

How does the White Sox farm system rank against the rest of the AL Central?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

The Indians and the Royals have the best systems in the Central, the Twins are a solid third and the Tigers and White Sox are pretty thin.

Vito NYC

Jim, I have come to the conclusion that cole hamels would look awesome in yankee pinstripes...do you think a deal involving ian kennedy and melky cabrera along with a lesser prospect like coke, would be enought to pry him away from philly?

Jim Callis

  (2:19 PM)

If Yankees fans are going to keep sending silly trades, I guess I'll keep posting them. On this one, I'd say no chance in hell. Would the Yankees trade Joba Chamberlain for Jayson Werth, Kyle Kendrick and Clay Condrey? That would be a more equitable deal. Sheesh.

jsm (dallas)

Will Boston break down and eventually include Buchholz in a deal for a Texas catcher?

Jim Callis

  (2:20 PM)

My gut feel is no. I don't think the Red Sox are going to sell low on Buchholz, and as I wrote in my last column for Baseball America, I think he can still be a frontline starter. I think the most likely scenario for the Red Sox at catcher is that they'll go with a stopgap solution if they don't see a longer-term move they like.

Cards Fan in STL

How does Bryan Anderson rank compared to the other catchers on the trade/FA market?

Jim Callis

  (2:24 PM)

It's a thin market, but I'm not a huge Bryan Anderson fan. I think outside of hitting for average, he's otherwise pretty fringy. I wouldn't give up a lot to get him to bank on as my starter.

Mark (Bangor, PA)

Could you see Shapiro taking a flyer on Crede with a short term deal like he did with Howry and Millwood? Marte certainly is not going to be the Indians 3B.

Jim Callis

  (2:24 PM)

I don't think Crede and Scott Boras are looking for a short-term deal, though.

chris(smithtown,ny)

Puzzling move signing Marte for the Yanks..and losing the compensation picks..your thoughts?

Jim Callis

  (2:25 PM)

The Yankees will have plenty of comp picks anyway, in all likelihood. They like Marte as a lefty arm for their bullpen, and I'm not surprised their focus is on their 2009 club rather than draft picks for the future.

Dave (Chicago)

Jim, Is S.Marshall, Theriot and maybe someone like D. Veal enough to pry away Brian Roberts from Baltimore? The Cubs could then play the slightly better overall SS, Cedeno and bat him 8th in the lineup.

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

I don't think so. Veal's stock has plummeted--the Orioles can have him in the Rule 5 draft if they want. Marshall and Theriot are complementary players, there's no long-term building block in that deal for Baltimore.

Rob, (Brighton, MA)

Who do you think is the Indians catcher down the road? Is Shoppach going to be behind the plate in 2009?

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

Shoppach. He can catch and hit for power, he's fine back there.

Brett (WI)

Jim, there's some pretty good talent in the AL Central right now. Of the five #1 prospects you listed over the last week, which of Beckham, Porcello, Moustakas, Hicks, and Santana do you like most and why?

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

Hmm, good question. I haven't lined up guys for my personal Top 100 yet. My gut actually points me to Eric Hosmer, who ranked No. 2 on our KC list (I dissented from the majority opinion). Of the five No. 1s, I'll go with Porcello, though I always get a little worried when I hear some prospect is "pitching to contact."

Steve (Manassas, Va)

Jim do you think Vitters is still a top 50 or top 100 prospect in baseball? Also I know Wade Davis is vastly overshadowed in Tampa but where would he rank for you among pitching prospects?

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

I do on Vitters. He can really hit. Early-season injuries pushed him to the short-season Northwest League in 2008, but he was 18, very young for that league. Davis will be in the Top 50 as well, I'm sure.

chris(smithtown,ny)

thanks for posting my previous comment..however I still am perturbed by the anti Yanks sentiment in your writings..

Jim Callis

  (2:30 PM)

Bah. I have a lot of respect for the Yankees. But I get more stupid Yankees-related questions than I do for the other 29 teams combined.

Boomer, Wrigleyville

Donald Veal - thoughts on why the Cubs left him unprotected for the Rule V draft even though they have a few open spots on the 40 man?

Jim Callis

  (2:32 PM)

Because he's just not that good. His delivery is a problem as it really hampers his control and command. He runs up high pitch counts, so even when he has good stuff (which isn't consistently), it often lasts for no more than 2-3 innings. His stock is way down. He might get Rule 5ed by someone who thinks they can fix him, but he has made no progress with Cubs Double-A pitching coach Dennis Lewellyn, who has helped a lot of guys. I can't see Veal sticking on a big league roster next year.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ)

Your un explainable Phil Hughes love should be enough to allow you to lash out to Yankee fans as you see fit.

Jim Callis

  (2:32 PM)

It's not inexplicable! Read my last column on Buchholz and Hughes. His stuff does seems like it's down a notch, but I still think he'll be a No. 3 starter.

Mike (Rutland, VT)

Hi Jim, Any thoughts on the two young kids from India that the Pirates signed? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Jim Callis

  (2:33 PM)

Thanks, Mike. I think they're more curiosities than real prospects, but why not get an entry into India at a low cost? It can't hurt.

Jarred (Iola, Kansas)

Mr. Callis, do you think that the Royals-Cubs trade is still on? The one that would send Mark Teahen to Chicago, and Mike Fontenot and Sean Marshall to KC.

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

That rumor won't go away up here (I live outside of Chicago). The Cubs wants a LH-hitting RF, but I think I'd rather keep Fontenot and Marshall and give Micah Hoffpauir a shot.

Danny(Philly)

What do you think of Dominick Brown?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

Best prospect in the Phillies system.

Jeff (Queens)

Jim, why are there discrepancies on Phil Hughes velocity in the AFL according to your scouts, and the scouts who gunned him at around 92-94 towards the end of the AFL?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

His velo fluctuated some in the AFL. He doesn't throw 91-94 mph as consistently as he did when he was tearing up Double-A.

Danny(Philly)

How encouraging was it the way Kyle Drabek pitched at the end of the season and in the Hawaii Winter League?

Jim Callis

  (2:36 PM)

Very encouraging. He's showing why he was a first-round pick and he's bouncing back nicely from Tommy John surgery.

Benji (NY)

Does a team get any compensation picks when one of their pitchers retires?

Jim Callis

  (2:36 PM)

Nope. Only if they offer him arbitration and he's a ranked free agent who signs with another team.

Boomer, Wrigleyville

There are ways of "hiding" Rule V picks on the 25 man roster to keep them; like the DL right?

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

They need to spend 90 days on the active roster, or else make up the difference at the start of the next season.

Randy (Bos)

Any sign of "Redemption" for 24 this season, based on what you saw from the 2-hour prequel?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

I've been so busy that I haven't found time to watch it yet. Four kids and the Prospect Handbook will do that to you. Was it good?

Bill (MA)

Why do the Red Sox give all those monies to Tazawa but don't meet the demands of Alex Meyer? I DONT get it? DOnt mEyer gots the more pontentials?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

Meyer is further away and less polished. Don't know how you can fault the Red Sox for offering him $2 million. A lot of people think he was unwilling to sign for any price.

Rob (Brighton, MA)

Which outfielder gets more major league AB in 2009: Matt Laporta or Travis Snider? Who do you like in the long run, and which team needs the production more?

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

Snider, Snider and the Jays.

Chuck (Los Angeles)

Are you disappointed as I am about how slow free agency has been this offseason? Where are all the signings?!?!

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

I don't think it's that much slower than usual, but I made the same comment to someone about an hour before this chat. Let's have some news.

Zac (Philadelphia)

What are your thoughts on the Golson/Mayberry swap that went down last week? Interesting, if nothing else...

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

More interesting than anything that will have much of an effect on either club. I don't think either guy will ever be a solid regular.

Antonio (Chicago)

Jim -- Is there any reason why a team would delay until close to the deadline in offering arbitration to a player, as the Yanks seem to be doing with Abreu? And what is the likeliest future for Abreu? P.S. Happy Thanksgiving...

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Sure, because there's no advantage to offering it early. Might as well see if there's another option before doing that. What if the Yankees signed or traded for an outfielder, and then Abreu accepted when they didn't want him any longer.

re: Was it good?

Nope. Terrible. Sorry dude.

Randy (Bos)

It's better than the last season but it remains to be seen how things will go once Jan 11 rolls around. I still have hopes.

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

I guess I'll have to watch it for myself.

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Let's start the lightning round.

mymrbig (New Orleans)

Niemann, Townsend, Humber, or Aarsdma?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Niemann.

Mark (Boston)

Lightning round! Favorite side dish - stuffing or mashed potatoes?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Love stuffing, hate mashed potatoes.

Sean (New Lenox, IL)

Can a club still offer arbitration after a FA accepts an offer from another club?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Yes.

Otto (CA)

Eva Green or Olga Kurylenko?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Olga, not particularly close in my book.

Kevin (San Diego)

Jim, the lack of signings is probably due to the Dec. 1 deadline for offering arbitration. No reason to sign a Type A until you know whether the current team will offer. Obviously this doesn't include top guys like CC, who the Brewers will obviously offer arb. The Astros did this a couple years ago with Woody Williams who was a Type A. The Pads NEVER would have offered him arbitration, but were able to do so AFTER he signed, thus gaining a free pick.

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

There's some truth in that but on the big guys, you know they're getting offered. It has felt a little slow to me.

Mark (Boston)

Favorite side dish?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Stuffing edges cranberry sauce.

Sean (aurora,co)

Better thanksgiving themed baseball nickname turkey mike donlin, frank "taters" lary, or harold "pie" traynor?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Turkey Mike Donlin has always been one of my favorites.

Brett (WI)

Moustakas or Gordon Beckham if they both end up at 3rd?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Moustakas.

Mike (Burlington, VT)

Who signs first Teixeira or Sabathia?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Sabathia.

Bryan Galasinski (Springfield, MO)

Hank Conger-Angels starting C by 2010?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

No. I'm not sold that he can catch.

Jeff (Dayton)

Best player to get picked in the Rule-5 this year?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

The boys in the BA headquarters in Durham are working on a Rule 5 preview. The most interesting guy they've told me about is A's LHP Pedro Figueroa.

Andy (Baltimore)

David Hernandez or Brandon Erbe?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Erbe, though I think Hernandez is a little underrated.

Fred (texas)

Rank Feliz Holland and Main

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

That order.

Charlie (Bored at work)

Best Bond ever?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Sean Connery.

Joe, RI

Since they have the same velocity on their fastballs: Hughes or Kennedy?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Hughes has more velo, and I'd take him easy.

Mike ( NC)

White meat or dark meat? With or without gravy?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

White meat, though I'll eat dark meat too. Definitely with gravy.

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Matt (Vermillion)

No Guerra in the Twins top 10?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

His stuff really regressed this year--he didn't belong on the Top 10.

Arin (ca)

Future 1b of reds: Yonder Alonso or Votto

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Alonso.

Mike (CT)

Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Christmas--watching my four kids open presents is pretty fun. And the two youngest believe very much in Santa, so that's cool.

Adam (Ft Wayne, IN)

Ok, since you picked the wrong Bond girl let's see if you can get the movies right: Casino Royale or Quantum Of Solace?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Casino Royale. The Quantum plot was unfathomable.

Greg (Hebron, IN)

Where would you rank Dayan Viciedo among White Sox prospects?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

No. 2, between Beckham and Poreda. Can we get that physical done so he's officially signed?

Jim (Chicago)

Best stuff? Brackman or Chamberlain?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Chamberlain.

Steve (Queens, NY)

Jets or the rest of the AFC for SB Rep?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

I'll take the field. The Jets are the hottest team right now, but Favre has a multipick playoff game in him that will surface at some point.

Dan (Des Moines)

Jim, KC's director of scouting thought Derrick Robinson (OF) should have been in your top 10, what are your thoughts on him, did he just miss?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Don't see it at all. Robinson is a great athlete and not a very good baseball player. I don't think he'll hit.

Santa (North Pole)

Ho! Ho! Ho! Do you believe in me Jim?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Kids could be reading this chat!

Sully (Long Island):

Thomas Hanson - Where do you slot him in a big league rotation, what type of potential does he have?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Potential No. 2 starter. I'm a snob about No. 1s--don't slap that label on too many guys.

Brent (Lake Geneva, WI)

Masterson to the Rangers for Teagarden or Ramirez?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

I don't think Ramirez will stick at catcher. Not sure the two sides will work out a deal, because I think Boston wants to hold onto Buchholz and Masterson and Texas wants to hold on to Salty and Teagarden.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

Is Jon Niese ready for the big leagues yet or does he need more work in the minors?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

More work in the minors.

Tommy(Clearwater)

Nelson Cruz. Breakout candidate? or Quad A?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Quad A.

Mark (Clark, NJ)

Cahill and Anderson...do either have an impact in Oakland in 2009?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Both could in the second half.

Jeff, Houston TX

The combined W% of the teams Bert Blyleven played for was .502, while the W% of the teams Mussina played for was .551. Why is Mussina getting so much (early) love for the HOF while nobody seems to care about Blyleven?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Can't they both be deserving?

Rob (Brighton, MA)

Favorite holiday movie?

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

Olive the Other Reindeer.

Brett Favre (East Rutherford, NJ)

I don't throw postseason interceptions

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Oh, you throw a bunch of them. And you crushed my oldest son's Packer Super Bowl hopes with a terrible one just last year.

Balla( PIttsburgh)

Starting 3b in 2010 for bucs walker alvarez or laroche?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Alvarez.

Nick (LA)

Will Andruw Jones be on a treadmill or shoveling food into his mouth tomorrow?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Shoveling food.

Ken (Det)

Tigers second baseman in 2010 is... (Rank chances) Hollimon, Raburn, Iorg, Sizemore, Rhymes, Worth...

Jim Callis

  (3:01 PM)

I'll stick with Placido Polanco.

Sully (Long Island)

Logan Morrison - all star caliber 1B?

Jim Callis

  (3:01 PM)

Definitely.

Jayson(Toronto)

Cecil, Purcey, Romero or Mills ?

Jim Callis

  (3:01 PM)

Cecil.

Pablo (Miami)

Marlins' #1-3 prospects - Maybin, Stanton and Morrison?

Jim Callis

  (3:03 PM)

That looks good to me . . . I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving, and we'll do this again next week.