Keith Law

  (1:04 PM)

Here we are folks - the chat we all dreamed of. Klaw vs the readers in the World Series of Chat...

nick (sfo)

Did you know that Scisocia has been batting Maicer Izturis 3rd lately? When I read that, I had one of those "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills" moments. Does this officially dispel the notion that Scisocia is a good manager?

Keith Law

  (1:05 PM)

Well, it's not helping his case. I doubt there's a player less suited to bat third. Okay, Tony Pena.

chien ming wang, NY

what's wrong with me?

Keith Law

  (1:05 PM)

Aside from missing 5 mph off your fastball and most of its sink? Nothing.

Mike, Meriden, CT

Keith, Justin Upton has looked a little better of late, but is still racking up the DNPs. Do they feel the need to play Byrnes to justify his salary? What gives?

Keith Law

  (1:06 PM)

Is Byrnes playing to justify his salary or is his salary justifying his playing time? I suppose it's irrelevant, since his ability clearly can not justify his playing time. Upton needs to play every day; even if the Diamondbacks think that Byrnes gives them a slightly better chance to win (which would be wrong in a comical way), developing Upton's bat is the priority.

Rich J (Connecticut)

Was Patrick Schuster, the kid in Florida who just pitched four no hitters, on scouts' radars (radar guns?) before he made national headlines with this feat? Any thought on where he'll get drafted? Sounds like he's a soft commit to Florida.

Keith Law

  (1:08 PM)

Everyone knew who he was, but he's not a major draft prospect. He's a low-slot lefty with a fringy fastball and bad arm action. Shelby Miller threw three straight no-hitters (including a perfect game) as a junior and for whatever reason didn't get the same attention, even though he's a legit top 10 prospect.

Ryan (Richmond)

Is it possible that Jim Bowden kidnapped Rizzo and is still showing up to work every day in a Rizzo mask? Sending down Milledge, all this uproar over the Dukes thing, giving Zim that huge deal. None of this seems productive to me.

Keith Law

  (1:09 PM)

Don't forget the release of Shawn Hill, too. That Zimmerman contract ... wow. They gave him Markakis money and he's maybe half the player Markakis is. They gave him more than Youkilis got (adjusting for the years covered - Alex Speier pointed this out on WEEI.com) and he's not half the player Youkilis is. There should be no "face of the franchise" premium. If that's your face, put some damn makeup on.

Jim - FLA

Are you a believer in Jeremy Hermida or will he keep teasing us with potential?

Keith Law

  (1:10 PM)

I am a believer, but I also believe (fear) he's going to suffer some seemingly-minor injury that whacks his season.

Aubrey (Houston)

When his career ends, how great will Albert Pujols end up being? Top 10 ever candidate?

Keith Law

  (1:10 PM)

If he has a normal decline phase, then yes, he'll be in any top 10 ever discussion.

Chris (NYC)

Can we get a top 10 mock? Do you think Zack Wheeler or Shelby Miller can sneak in?

Keith Law

  (1:14 PM)

With the caveat that I'm not really matching players to teams: Strasburg, Ackley, Tate, Matzek, Crow, Miller, Wheeler, Scheppers, White, Poythress. Not so much because I like Poythress in that spot but because they're going to want to cut a deal with someone since the pick is unprotected AND they have to spend big on Strasburg.

Joey (Tn)

Why do we see many more 1st rounders from smaller schools (Kennesaw State for example)in the amateur draft than we do in basketball or football? Are college baseball coaches missing the boat, are baseball players developing later, etc...?

Keith Law

  (1:16 PM)

Players do develop later in baseball, especially pitchers. Velocity increases between age 18 and 21 are pretty common.

Wes, Dallas

Could Shelby Miller fall to the Rangers at 14?

Keith Law

  (1:16 PM)

I would put the odds of that happening well under 50%, probably under 25%.

Ed( San Diego,CA)

Can you see the Padres selecting Matzek with #3? What is his ceiling in your eyes?

Keith Law

  (1:17 PM)

I can see that. #1/2 starter, very polished, moves more quickly than your typical high school pitcher, might not really have the #1 ceiling but is attractive because he's high probability.

John in Florida

How high are you on Sean West? Is he a potential top of the rotation starter? Thanks.

Keith Law

  (1:18 PM)

Top of the rotation stuff. Middle of the bullpen command.

Dan (NY)

No Grant Green in the top ten?

Keith Law

  (1:19 PM)

No power. Some disagreement on whether he can stay at short. And Boras. Of course he might go in the top ten, but there are more question marks on him than on the top nine guys I listed, and I don't think Washington takes a top Boras guy at 10.

Aaron Hill [via mobile]

Can i keep this up all year?

Keith Law

  (1:20 PM)

Hit .370? No. Hit enough to be one of the best 2b in baseball? Yes.

Tom (Tampa)

What HS player from Georgia do you see the Braves taking?

Keith Law

  (1:20 PM)

Zack Wheeler. Luke Bailey would be the alternate if Wheeler was gone.

brad (detroit)

no Grant Green in top 10? The tigers would certainly jump on him if he is still there at 9.

Keith Law

  (1:21 PM)

That doesn't seem to fit their philosophy - power arms and power bats. He's neither.

BG (toronto)

Ricky Romero - 3GS, 2W's, 1.10 WHIP, 1.71 ERA. Any chance J.P. tells everyone "Tulowitzki who?" by Season's end?

Keith Law

  (1:22 PM)

That would be revisionism, since Tulo already had a hugely productive year in 2007 when the Jays were getting squat from short.

Larry (WI)

Why do the Brewers give all this money to fossils like Suppan and Hoffman? What do they think Hoffman will do to help?

Keith Law

  (1:23 PM)

He's helping them now by staying on the DL instead of coming in and serving up home runs.

Dan (DC)

Hey KLaw, Am I fooling myself in thinking the Bucs pitching might be pretty good the whole year? 3 of the starters have done well over the course of a year (unfortunately, not the same year), and the pen isn't terrible.

Keith Law

  (1:23 PM)

You're fooling yourself. Call me when Maholm strikes someone out.

Stefanie, Tuscon, AZ

Keith, Where do you see Jason Stoffel from Arizona going and would 14 to my Rangers be to high for a college closer?

Keith Law

  (1:25 PM)

He's not a first-round pick at this point. Maybe sandwich, more likely second. Good fastball, fringe-average curveball, no third pitch, and absurd overusage.

Luke(TC MN)

Liriano and Baker are getting killed... how much of that can be attributed to Mauer not calling their games?

Keith Law

  (1:25 PM)

Little to none.

MJ (Seattle)

So, Clement is now our... 1B of the future? Why didn't management see if he could play catcher in the bigs for the 2-3 weeks Johjima is injured?

Keith Law

  (1:27 PM)

They should really just trade Clement and be done with it. If you're not willing to give him a shot even though he is clearly the best option - and I'm no Clement fan - just trade him before his value evaporates completely.

Adam- Greensboro NC

What is Mike Leake's ceiling? With his numbers I would think there would be more talk about him in the draft.

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

Mid-rotation starter, but pretty high probability. His size will work against him in many draft rooms. I don't think he gets past Arizona's two picks in the teens.

Joseph (Sacramento, CA)

I know it was only one outing, but Jordan Zimmermann looked really solid. With Zimmermann and the incoming Strasburg, do the Nats have the making of a solid young rotation that could make them move out of the basement quicker than people may think. They also have Lannan that could be a productive 3/4 starter. Thanks.

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

Lannan's not that good. But with Crow in the two spot between Zimmerm ... oh, never mind. But they could nab another good starter at 10, like a Leake or Kyle Gibson - I don't think either would be a tough sign there and both should move fairly quickly through the system.

John (SF)

Ciao KLaw. Sto vivendo in Firenze adesso. Hai consigliato per posti per cibo? Grazie.

Keith Law

  (1:30 PM)

Sono andato a Firenze dieci anni fa. But I am jealous. Eat gelato every day you're there. Twice a day. It's the gelato capital of Italy.

Jon V. (Cleveland, OH)

Keith - LaPorta is off to a quick start in AAA, how long before we see him starting in LF for the Indians?

Keith Law

  (1:32 PM)

I'm not a believer in his defense out there but I think I'd live with a -20 glove in left just to get some offense now. I also don't think Garko's going to throw up a .400 OBP this year, so eventually they could just slide LaPorta back to 1b.

Big 12 fan, OKC

Where do you see some of the Big 12 pitcher going in the draft? Alex Wilson, Kendal Volz, Kyle Gibson, Andrew Oliver, and Brooks Raley? Thanks!

Keith Law

  (1:32 PM)

Gibson and Oliver go in the first. The others somewhere between 20 and 50.

I hate Keith Law

Whoop-de-dooo! You know Italian. Just start the chat by telling us how smart you are.

Keith Law

  (1:32 PM)

And yet you're here. Which makes you a moron.

Andrew (Centereach, NY)

Do you think the yankees drafted Cole knowing he would be tough thus making sure they still had a #1 pick this year after signing 3 type A FA

Keith Law

  (1:33 PM)

No. I have heard that idea before, and it is 100% false, not to mention a phenomenally stupid strategy.

brandon (DC)

Higher Ceiling: Michael Bowden or Casey Kelly?

Keith Law

  (1:34 PM)

Kelly.

Rod (Chicago, IL)

Have you seen Tim Collins pitch live?

Keith Law

  (1:35 PM)

No but if I do I'll bring a microscope.

Kevin (Livingston, NJ)

Hey Keith, is a Chad Billingsley comparsion to Jarrod Parker fair?

Keith Law

  (1:35 PM)

They're not really similar. Different bodies. Different breaking balls. Billingsley had a little more gas.

Mike (Pittsburgh)

Are Scheppers injury troubles behind him? And looking back, should the Pirates have signed him?

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

Word is he threw the other day in California and was lights-out. He threw badly for the Pirates in August and still wanted first-round money ... I don't blame them for passing. I would have too.

Mustard (Kingston, ON)

Hoping to sneak in another Jays question! I have seen all Romero's starts this year and he has looked calm, focused and has a relaxed approach..something I thought I would see from Purcey. Is he a contender or pretender based on the small sample size of MLB experience?

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

Contender, solid 3/4 starter. I've never been a Purcey fan. Good stuff, command will never be more than 45.

Josh IL

Gallardo or King Felix

Keith Law

  (1:37 PM)

¡Viva el Rey Felix!

Taylor, Alabama

How about Derek Holland's debut last night? He threw hard and threw strikes. You like the idea of him starting out in the pen for the Rangers?

Keith Law

  (1:37 PM)

Yes, especially given how quickly he reached the majors. The temptation to plug him into the rotation will be there soon enough; I hope they resist it for a few months.

Paul Rooney (Modesto)

Can you clarify your Billingsley had a little more gas? Is this referring to the fact that pitchers seem to lose a few MPH off their fastballs when they reach the pros?

Keith Law

  (1:38 PM)

That when Billingsley was Parker's age, he threw a little harder than Parker does. Not that Parker has anything to be ashamed about with his fastball.

Steve (DC)

Given the economy and its impact on attendance/revenues, do you think some teams will go back to paying slot and there will be a return to guys falling to big money teams like the Yankees, Sox, etc? Any players jump out at you as serious signability/slot concerns? PS This is not a Strasburg question, I can't imagine they don't sign him.

Keith Law

  (1:40 PM)

There are too many guys in this draft with high (expected) bonus demands for us to have nobody fall. Andy Oliver looked like a top 10 guy but he's sliding. Brian Goodwin probably just slid out of the first 50 picks by choosing Boras as his adviser, and Levon Washington might slide all the way to college. Wil Myers goes in the top 20 picks, but I don't think he signs for sandwich money. I'm just guessing on these - no one is allowed to discuss dollars at this point - but that's my impression.

Matt (Chicago)

In reference to Bandon's question, do you mean Casey Kelly has a higher ceiling specifically as a pitcher or as a prospect in general?

Keith Law

  (1:41 PM)

Pitcher. That's his pro future.

Chris (NYC)

Keith, as the chief proponent of sample size, can you please put an end to the hysteria over Yankee Stadium HR rates after SIX GAMES?!?

Keith Law

  (1:43 PM)

It was amazing. First we had ridiculous articles on Emilio Bonifacio's game-changing mojo after three games. Then after ten games we hear how the Marlins are the team to beat. (They're 6-0 vs Washington and 5-4 vs everyone else. Settle down.) The Yankee Stadium as Coors Field thing came up after three games. Are we all just getting dumber? It's April. Talk to me about park effects in October.

Matt (Blue Bell, PA)

Keith, Kyle Drabek is pitching lights out at Clearwater right now. Do you think the Phils promote him to AA in short order or will they take it easy since it is his first full season post TJS? Thanks!

Keith Law

  (1:44 PM)

Weather's supposed to warm up in the Northeast this weekend so you may see a promotion or two. Buster Posey is obliterating the Cal League - 20/50 last I checked - so he'd be a candidate to come up. The Phils will probably take it easy with Drabek and wait until it's warm to stay up here.

Mike(San Diego)

I agree that a certain catcher calling games is overblown in terms of how it relates to a staff's success. What other things in baseball do you think are overblown by the baseball community?

Keith Law

  (1:45 PM)

Lineup protection. Clutch hitting. Running speed (for most players, it's not that important). The closer mentality. Psychological testing.

Rob (Alaska)

Desmond Jennings is the greatest player of all time! (I have no question.)

Keith Law

  (1:46 PM)

Stop talking about him before he hurts himself again. So far, so good.

Mike (NY)

Favorite Shaun the Sheep episode is the one with the photograph... Yours???

Keith Law

  (1:48 PM)

Either the cement episode or the football one ("Off the Baa"). Actually, I just saw the aliens episode ("Shaun Encounters") yesterday - that's pretty good, although my daughter later asked me to draw one of the aliens, and I got halfway through before realizing any drawing would look hopelessly phallic and offered to draw a sheep instead.

JPM (Bmore)

Thus far, it looks like Cahill is further ahead than Anderson. Is this just a perception, or can it all be attributed to the A's horrible offense?

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

Cahill has 13 walks and 5 Ks. I'm going to go out on a giant limb and say that his 2.60 ERA is unsustainable.

Ken T (Fremulon)

Clutch hitting is not important. What about David Eckstein? Maybe he doesn't have great "stats" but he is so important to a team's success because of his heart, toughness and grit. Those things help the team in ways that can't be measured by stats.

Keith Law

  (1:50 PM)

$5. And I heard Fremulon went out of business after putting all of its money into Lenny Dykstra's hedge fund.

Alex (Detroit, MI)

Keith, what is your opinion on Rick Porcello? Are you worried that his strikeout numbers are so low both in the minors last year and in the big leagues this year? Thanks

Keith Law

  (1:52 PM)

No, I buy into his approach. Low walks and lots of groundballs can work, and he does have strikeout-caliber stuff for when he needs it. I'm not betting on it all coming together this year, but I do think in time he's a 1/2 starter.

Ryan Seattle

How far away is Trunifel from being on the Mariners roster assuming the dont screw up his development like they do all the rest of their top prospects? Is there a comparable player in the MLB now? Do the M's stay in it in the West all year?

Keith Law

  (1:52 PM)

He broke his fibula - I think he's out for the year or close to it.

Joel (jumping off the CN Tower)

Now Romero is on the DL? Any idea how bad a "strained right oblique" is for a lefty pitcher?

Keith Law

  (1:52 PM)

You don't want him rushing back. Oblique strains seem to take forever to heal.

Greg, Anaheim

Will Zach Wheeler break into the top 10 in the draft? Any chance the Giants will select him at #6 since the top bats - Green and Ackley - will be long gone by then?

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

I think there's a 40-50% chance Wheeler goes top 10, and I don't think it's a lock that Green is gone by the Giants' pick. Thing is, if you think Green can't play ss well enough to do it in the majors, what is he? A 3b with no power? That's not my view but I know some teams have backed off.

Tony (West Chester)

Mow much does the loss of Ruiz effect Lidge's confidence in the slider? PS Moyer has the only two wins by Phillies starting pitching

Keith Law

  (1:56 PM)

I show Myers with a win unless we have the stats wrong. Moyer's got a 6.35 ERA too. I don't think the loss of Ruiz is Lidge's problem.

Rick (Pittsburgh,PA)

Admittedly, I haven't seen Porcello, but how can lots of walks and ground balls work for him and make him a 1/2 starter, where fewer walks and a lot of ground balls seems to make Paul Maholm something less in your eyes?

Keith Law

  (1:59 PM)

Low walks, not lots of walks. And Maholm doesn't get "a lot of groundballs." His G/F ratio this year is 0.91 (on our card) and 1.46 (Fangraphs - must be counting air outs differently). It's like Stockholm Syndrome: fans of bad teams develop irrational attachments to their best players, even if said players aren't very good.

Matt (Chicago, IL)

Keith, two things, Hamels just got taken out because he is hurt. Second, what are your thoughts on Aaron Hicks and where do you see him playing this year?

Keith Law

  (2:01 PM)

I'm shocked, shocked by the Hamels injury. I assumed Hicks was in Beloit but I see he's in extended spring - he really should be in Beloit right now. He was awesome after signing last year - that plus the tool set justify the promotion to full-season ball.

Shane (ATL)

Maholm is a servicable starter, had a great spring and is having a good start to the season. Give the guy some credit.

Keith Law

  (2:01 PM)

"Serviceable:" Baseball-ese for "he's not that good but he doesn't suck." I like how we're now crediting players for doing well in spring training.

Brian (Jersey)

There is a headline on the front page right now that says "Yankees monitoring homers at new stadium." I know there is a joke to be made here. Care to take a shot at it?

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

Does that mean they're not letting John Sterling in the park?

Steve (Miami)

Just tell everyone Hamels was injured by a line drive. PLEASE!!!!

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

Done.

Daniel (Brooklyn)

Brandon Wood - how has this guy not gotten a chance to start yet?

Keith Law

  (2:04 PM)

I'm not really clear on the plan with him. I mean, Izturis is your #3 hitter and you can't find room for Brandon Wood?

Jeff, Mesa, Arizon

Why doesn't grounding into a fielder's choice result in a positive for someone's on-base percentage? It is conceivable that a person can score runs with a .000 OBP

Keith Law

  (2:05 PM)

OBP measures one thing: Getting on base safely. A fielder's choice results in an out (or should result in an out - you can reach on an FC with no out recorded). It's a hitting failure and goes on to the right side of the ledger.

BigDaddy Redondo Beach, Ca [via mobile]

Giants pick 6th. As a scout, do you have a preference between the more proven, less projection college pitcher(Crow) or the h.s. pitcher(Miller) who is less proven, but has greater room to grow within the organization? Tidrow seems to take particukar delight in getting big, projectable h.s. arms and letting the organization develop them early.

Keith Law

  (2:06 PM)

I couldn't argue with either of those picks, really. Crow's arm action scares some teams, and Miller did have a brief period last month where his command dipped. I'm a little more comfortable with Miller, but Crow wouldn't be the wrong choice.

Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)

"Fielder's choice" - the answer is right there in the name: the fielder could have retired you but chose to make a different play.

Keith Law

  (2:07 PM)

I like how it has an almost derogatory connotation. The fielder decided you weren't worth his time.

Jeff (NYC)

Strasburg or Sliced Bread?

Keith Law

  (2:08 PM)

Your problem is that Sliced Bread is actually the best thing since Matt Wieters.

Chris (NYC)

Have you seen Mike Leake?

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

Yes, in March. Check our draft blog archives from March 5th-7th.

Tom (Weymouth, MA)

You see anything more than 4th/5th SP material out of Michael Bowden? Seems like the stuff is not there to match the results...

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

That's about what I think he is.

Sara (SD)

Have you read "The Death of Derek Jeter" in this month's Esquire?

Keith Law

  (2:10 PM)

I'm with Shysterball. It made no sense.

Tommy Hanson (Gwinnett, Georgia)

When the hell can I come to Atlanta?

Keith Law

  (2:10 PM)

As soon as Frank Wren gets the OK from his boss, Mr. Glavine.

Jeff (NYC)

Gun to your head --- Gardner or Melky? Both have been OK so far. Does A-Jax sniff the majors this year?

Keith Law

  (2:10 PM)

Melky. Probably yes.

Richard, KC

You see Joakim Soria as an effective starter? Any chance of that move being made?

Keith Law

  (2:12 PM)

Probably, but it's not a sure thing. No chance I can see. By the way, if Hochevar wasn't left in AAA for financial/service time reasons, then why was he left down there? Is he maybe just not that good?

Adam Eaton (MD)

Open letter to MLB GMs: Stop hiring me. I suck at my job. I have always sucked at my job. I will always suck at my job. Regards, Adam Eaton

Keith Law

  (2:14 PM)

Hard to argue with that.

Erich (CT)

Over under for wins on the Jays this year? 85? What's your take

Keith Law

  (2:15 PM)

Under. The division is going to kill them. They might win the AL Central.

Chad (Minnesota)

Hey Keith. Has there been any "can't miss" prospects (pitchers) that were on the same level as a guy named Brien Taylor?

Keith Law

  (2:16 PM)

Taylor sort of gets a bum rap as a "can't miss" prospect - he didn't miss, he got hurt in an off-field incident. It's not that he didn't develop as expected; before he got hurt, he might have been the best pitching prospect in the minors, or at least the low minors. Offhand I can't think of a comparable talent who missed, but Bobby Witt was seen as a #1 starter type who never lived up to that potential because he refused to stop walking guys.

Ryan B. (Granada Hills, CA)

KLaw, do you see the arbitration rules being reviewed anytime soon? With the trend of teams willing to wait out half the season to avoiding earning their studs possible super 2 status, is anyone really winning here? The club is losing months of contributions from a possibly superior player, and the player is missing out on months of big league pay. Is either side really in favor of the current system?

Keith Law

  (2:17 PM)

If the union wants a fight over this stuff, it would be far more productive to fight over service-time demotions to push off free agency. Arbitration is ticky-tack stuff compared to free agent money.

Tony (Battle Creek)

Has Tony Sanchez (Boston College) played his way into the first round?

Keith Law

  (2:17 PM)

No, but top three rounds definitely.

Dizzy G (Hamburg, Germany)

Keith - Can you explain the super-two group for arbitration, and who decides/how it is decided who falls into that category? Thanks.

Keith Law

  (2:19 PM)

Players with at least two years, zero days of service time and no more than two years, 171 days (that is, one day below three years) are ranked in order of service time accumulated. (So the guy at 2+171 is at the top, and the guy at 2+000 is at the bottom.) The top 16% when ranked by service time are awarded "super two" status and are eligible for arbitration, while those below the cutoff are not eligible for arbitration and may have their contracts renewed at more or less whatever the club wants to pay them.

Adam (Sterling, VA)

Am I crazy for thinking the Rays will tank this season because no real injuries occurred last season along with unlikely contributions from several of their players?

Keith Law

  (2:20 PM)

Yes, you're crazy for thinking that.

Jim (CT)

Jeff Francoeur has turned it around. You are going to be wrong about him.

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Yeah a right fielder with a .795 OPS that's SLG-heavy is just awesome.

James (Chicago)

Keith, gun to your head, who do you want on your team (for their bat): Max Ramirez or Jeff Clement?

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Ramirez.

Arin (ca)

Long term please rank Alvarez, Wallace and Gamel?

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Wallace, Alvarez, Gamel.

Dan (Chicago)

When Gordon Beckham arrives on the scene, would moving Alexei to center and putting Beckham at short be the best move for the Sox?

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

That's what I've advocated all along.

Lenny (Villanova, PA)

Hi Keith, I am sure you've been busy following draft prospects but Fernando Martinez is off to a good start in AAA, with 10 XBH in his first 13 games. Do you still think he's a difference maker, and do you think he comes up this year?

Keith Law

  (2:22 PM)

Yes, and yes. I have to say I never saw Murphy as this bad of a defensive outfielder when I've seen him in the past.

Mitch (Austin)

I was going to ask you if you've ever read I, Claudius, because it seemed like something right up your alley. But then I went ahead and perused the convenient Klaw 100 and saw it was already there. For someone who just finished reading it, would you recommend diving straight into Claudius the God, watching the miniseries, or taking a breather?

Keith Law

  (2:23 PM)

Go straight into the sequel.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

If (and I realize this is a big if) Nyjer Morgan continues to play well by the time McCutchen is ready to come up, what do the Pirates do? Although I like the speed of a McLouth, McCutchen, Morgan outfield, McLouth will be the only power bat. Is this a feasible major league outfield?

Keith Law

  (2:24 PM)

Morgan's a nice 4th/5th outfielder and pinch runner. Just another fluky batting average start from a mediocre player.

nick (sf)

San Jose Giants, they're loaded. discuss. thanks

Keith Law

  (2:24 PM)

Concur.

Chris (Falmouth, MA)

hey KLAW have you seen any of the rosters for some of the Cape League teams? What players should i be watching for this summer? Thanks

Keith Law

  (2:25 PM)

I'm asked this every year but the answer is always the same - I don't think about summer ball until the draft is over. No bandwidth for that.

Sid (Salt Lake City, UT)

Como foi que aprendeu a falar portugues?

Keith Law

  (2:26 PM)

I don't speak it, I can just have a basic conversation. Taught myself with some tapes before a trip to Lisbon (highly, highly underrated city - cheap, good food, beautiful sights, gorgeous women, friendly people) in 2000.

Adam (Pittsburgh, PA)

I was in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and ate pretty much off your suggestions/reviews on The Dish. FireFly was amazing. Thank you! But I had a bad experience at Mesa Grille...the food was ridiculously over spiced. It was like they took Flay's original, very good ideas and said, "we REALLY, REALLY want you to know you are eating Bobby's food, so here is 2 cups of ancho chile rub on your scallops". I guess my question is, how much interaction/oversight do these "celebrity" chefs have over their franchises?

Keith Law

  (2:27 PM)

I'm sure it varies from chef to chef - I've never eaten at that Mesa Grill, only at the original in NYC. I tried to avoid celebrity chef joints in Vegas because I don't want to pay extra for the "celebrity" part. I'm just there for the food.

Gus (Rochester)

Forgive the ignorance, but how is Bengie Molina's OBP lower than his Avg?

Keith Law

  (2:29 PM)

Two sac flies and 0 walks. OBP = (H + BB + HBP) / (AB + BB + HBP + SF). So if BB and HBP are zero, which they are for Molina, you get OBP = H / (AB + SF), and since AVG = H / AB, a player with 1 or more SF would have an OBP below his AVG. This is because of the idiotic rule that a sac fly isn't an at bat.

Victor (NYC)

But Gardner's plays hard and hustles to first base on every groundball! He provides youthful energy that the Yankees need to push them back to the playoffs this year.

Keith Law

  (2:29 PM)

$5.

Rick (Madison)

Quick Pimsleur question - you said it took you 10 months to pass a first-level certificate exam for Spanish. What was that exam officially called? My internet searches have been leading me a astray so far.

Keith Law

  (2:30 PM)

The DELE exam, given by Instituto Cervantes.

Josh (Dayton)

Keith, can you like and talk positively about the players on my favorite team more so it translates to a better season for both the players and my team?

Keith Law

  (2:30 PM)

I'll get right on that.

wally (Maine)

Going to sea dogs game tonight, besides Lars & maybe reddick - anyone to really pay attention to? they are playing CT Defenders. Any plans to return to Hadlock Field for a game this yr.

Keith Law

  (2:33 PM)

Tazawa. Richie Lentz. If Bryce Cox isn't throwing everything to the backstop, he's interesting. Argenis Diaz.

Imre (Missoula, MT)

Hi Keith, 1st timer here, few questions on the handling of the Cubs bullpen...What do you think of the Cubs calling up Jeff Samardzija? Do you think he'd better suited staying down and working his secondary pitches to become a starter? Also, why'd they DFA Vizcaino, it seemed like he'd be a good veteran in the pen for early innings? Much Thanks!

Keith Law

  (2:35 PM)

I believe he's out of options after this year, so I could understand giving up on him as a starter because he's not going to have time to develop into one. (All the more reason the major-league deal they gave him was a bad idea.) I'd still rather see him work on his secondary stuff as a AAA starter just to make him a more effective big-league reliever down the road, tough. Vizcaino doesn't have much left and didn't seem to last year either.

Ryan (Boston)

Where is Masterson best utilized? By that, I don't mean in a vacuum. I mean specifically within the confines of this roster.

Keith Law

  (2:36 PM)

Multi-inning reliever - take advantage of the fact that he can get quick outs via groundballs rather than pigeonholing him into a short relief role because he can hit 95. And the spot start capability is great, especially against any team that leans RH.

Derrick (Tulsa, OK)

Green or Ackley at #3 for the Padres?

Keith Law

  (2:36 PM)

If there, I'd take Ackley over Green.

brian (fresno ca)

I just saw you listed Scheppers in the top 10. Is his stuff back to normal after the injury? From what I understand he didn't go back to Fresno State. Where is he now?

Keith Law

  (2:38 PM)

He really couldn't under the now-disgraced NCAA rules on agents, nor should he go back to the FSU meat-grinder. I've heard from scouts who've seen his side work this spring that his stuff is back. I'd like to reserve judgment until he throws in game situations in May, and of course I don't get to see his medicals, but the early word is promising.

Herman (LA)

tommy mendonca top 10 pick?

Keith Law

  (2:38 PM)

$5 and if this is who I think it is I'm still not taking your bet.

Derrick (Tulsa, OK)

I heard someone claiming to be a scout that Neil Medchill (okla. st.) was a potential 1st round pick. I'm thinking this guy isn't really a scout, correct? Do you have a take on Medchill?

Keith Law

  (2:40 PM)

I don't know if he's a scout but Medchill is not a potential first-round pick.

Lenny (Villanova, PA)

Say two players have an equal OPS of 850. Every other factor is identical too, except one player has a .400/.450 line and the other is a .350/.500. Which of those has more value?

Keith Law

  (2:40 PM)

The former. OPS underweights OBP.

Herman (LA)

and the answer to mendonca is.....?

Keith Law

  (2:41 PM)

If you were asking top 10 ROUNDS, I'd say yes. A first-round pick on him would be an enormous mistake.

Steven (Kewaskum, WI)

What is your opinion of Red Sox pitching prospect Junichi Tazawa (after spring and a few AA starts)? What do you see for a ceiling and ETA to the majors?

Keith Law

  (2:42 PM)

I haven't seen Tazawa this year. It's been all draft stuff since the season started.

Josh, San Francisco

How did you like Lonesome Dove? It's one of my favorite books? And with Matt Holliday off to such a slow start, will BB be able to get anything for him at the deadline if the A's are out of it?

Keith Law

  (2:42 PM)

Loved it. And yes.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

The Pirates have nobody behind Laroche at 1st base (Steve Pearce? umm...no) until you get all the way down to Alvarez. I keep hearing that they will trade him before the deadline, but should they consider trying to sign him?

Keith Law

  (2:43 PM)

No - definite trade bait. If Alvarez is what they think he is, he's going to have a claim on that 1b job by some time next year.

joe (pasadena ca)

So with Scheppers, where will he see game action? Indy leagues?

Keith Law

  (2:44 PM)

St. Paul Saints.

Keith Law

  (2:44 PM)

OK, that's all for this week. Thanks for all the questions.