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Keith Law

  (1:01 PM)

Please submit all the questions in the form "If my team offers these five crappy prospects for Roy Halladay, who says no?" It'll make it easier for me to delete you from the queue. Thanks.

Pat (Mesa, Az)

What are your thoughts on the Tony Pena trade to the White Sox? What type of major league player do you project Allen to be?

Keith Law

  (1:02 PM)

Haven't seen him, but maybe five hours before that deal was announced, I talked to a scout who had just seen Allen. He liked his bat, mentioning the ability to hit over the ability to hit for power, but said he didn't think Allen was an everyday player.

Keith Law

  (1:02 PM)

I like Pena as a pickup for Chicago, by the way. I wonder if they've taught him a cutter yet.

Gerry (Scranton, PA)

Klaw, if Doc is to go the Phils who would the Jays demand? Would Drabek, Donald, Marson be enough?

Keith Law

  (1:03 PM)

Here we go! No, that's not enough. Not close for me.

Shawn (Philly)

It's been reported that the Phillies consider Kyle Drabek untouchable. If that's the case, is there any combination of prospects not including him that could entice the Jays to trade Halladay to the Phils?

Keith Law

  (1:04 PM)

Sticking with a theme - how stupid is that? Drabek isn't even good enough to be "untouchable" (great stuff, already blew out his elbow, fair delivery at best, makeup questions dating back to HS), but more to the point, you're talking about acquiring one of the top 5 starters in baseball - maybe the top starter in baseball - for a year and a half. You don't designate a AA pitcher as "untouchable" if you're serious about acquiring Doc.

Pete (Columbia, MO)

Halladay for Gamel, Escobar, Braddock, and Parra...who says no?

Keith Law

  (1:05 PM)

The Jays.

Darren (NY)

Hi Klaw, A modest proposal for fixing the NYM after this season: Expand the talent pool by trading Beltran, Reyes and Putz (if healthy) to the few teams that can afford them (Red Sox, Cards, Angels, Dodgers) and try to stockpile 5 or 6 very good young players (Buccholz, Lowrie, Ellsbury, Rasmus, Wallace, Wood, Kemp, Kershaw, etc.). Use saved money to sign a good veteran starter (Lackey?) and to build a solid bench. Good or bad plan? Thanks!

Keith Law

  (1:05 PM)

Bad plan. Very bad plan. Trading two of your best three position players is not a good strategy unless you're trying to get worse.

Bob (Lowell)

I've known about the Cape League for a long time but now they are talking about the New England College Baseball League. Do you know anything about it and have you been to any of their games?

Keith Law

  (1:09 PM)

I don't know who "they" are, but I've seen plenty of NECBL games over the past 5-6 years. It is a substantially lower caliber of play than the Cape. The NECBL keeps "challenging" the Cape to an All-Star game, which is sort of like the Golden League challenging the AL to an All-Star Game. By the way, funny story, my sister was at a Nats game recently and overheard two fans claiming that the Ripken League (a Maryland/DC summer league that's probably a notch below the NECBL) was "at least as good as the Cape."

Dan Green (CT)

Are there still any rumors about the Atlanta Braves trading away Jeff Francoeur? I remember that there was one about trading him to Boston, have these died down?

Keith Law

  (1:10 PM)

There was never any truth to that rumor.

Jason (St Louis)

Wallace, Daryl Jones, Motte and two others for Halladay, is that decent or still not close? We'll even throw in Wellemeyer and pay his salary to get him off the roster.

Keith Law

  (1:13 PM)

Nope, not there either. Especially if the Jays want pitching.

Otis (Mt Airy, NC)

I've watched the Jays all week. Seems to me their bigger issues lie in the contracts of Wells and Rios. Can they really expect to contend with two outfielders who have OBPs lower than a good Batting average?

Keith Law

  (1:16 PM)

Had breakfast with Joe Sheehan today and we had just this conversation. I argued that their best move is to trade Rios, who still has some value, clearing money to re-sign Halladay. Joe argued that trading Halladay can be a Teixeira moment, where they restock the system and build the 95-win team that's required in that division. It's a valid counterargument. Wells is just an albatross, though - he's going to have to move out of center and isn't worth close to his '11-13 salaries.

Eamon (DC)

I saw that Ryan Westmoreland is listed as a DH despite the fact that he's barely 19. How bad does ones glove/range have to be to be pidgeon holed as a DH at that age?

Keith Law

  (1:18 PM)

He's recovering from shoulder surgery. His range is quite good.

Buzzmaster

  (1:23 PM)

Hang on folks, Keith is having some issues with our server right now. They're battling it out.

Buzzmaster

  (1:23 PM)

Or, our server is having issues with Keith might be a better statement.

Keith Law

  (1:31 PM)

When I get my hands on that server I'm going to put water on its motherboard ... one ... drop ... at ... a ... time.

Chris (AZ)

Just wanted to point out going to dbacks then Pizzeria Bianco Saturday. Baseball and Bianco it does not get any better.

Keith Law

  (1:31 PM)

I have a feeling Bianco will be a better experience. Tell Chris I said hi.

Chet (LA)

Keith, I'm a big fan of your articles and opinions. In this chat, you're essentially saying that fans are ridiculous with trade rumors, and I agree with that. But, is there a reasonable trade you could suggest for a team wanting Doc? I was discussing with a friend a Buchholz, Bowden

Keith Law

  (1:33 PM)

I don't see why the Jays would trade Halladay unless they're getting at least one player who can step into the majors right now and who has 4-6 years of control left. Some readers have mentioned Kershaw; I highly doubt the Dodgers would discuss him, but that's the type of guy I think the Jays would require.

Shane (Knoxville)

if you had to vote for one player for the ASG, who would it be: Flyin' Hawaiian, Kung-fu panda, or Strikeout King?

Keith Law

  (1:33 PM)

Sandoval. And Kemp, too, but he might sneak in as a replacement.

Cox (Somerset, NJ)

Can you possibly explain to me why Shane Victorino would be worth an All Star spot ahead of Jayson Werth, never mind the other four guys on the final vote ballot?

Keith Law

  (1:34 PM)

No, I can't explain it. Pro-Pacific-Islander bias?

Dave (Toronto)

When will JP get fired? He needs to go.

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

He's put together competitive clubs and recent trades have worked out pretty well. I think the biggest knock against him is all the money they've wasted in his tenure - Ryan, Koskie, arguably Burnett, even smaller deals like guaranteeing Koch's deal for a year. (They offered him $900K guaranteed or $1MM non-guaranteed. Tough call.)

eric (baltimore)

1 ER in 48 IP for Matusz. Ridiculous. Opening Day rotation?

Keith Law

  (1:37 PM)

Except for the 40-man issue, he should probably come up this year.

Walt (Cincinnati)

Cueto, Alonso, Stubbs 2 for Halladay. Let's get it done.

Keith Law

  (1:37 PM)

At least there, you're including a quality major-leaguer making the minimum, plus a guy in Stubbs who is major-league ready. It's the right idea.

Justin Morneau (MN)

I am a top 5 first baseman. Deal with it, Keith. And not just with the bat! I've made ONE ERROR!

Keith Law

  (1:38 PM)

You've made one error because you've mastered the ol' pillar-of-salt technique at first base.

Howie (oh)

Keith, is the opinion around baseball that Halladay is that much better than Santana was when he was traded despite the fact that he's older than Santana was when he was dealt for a garbage package? If so, can we expect a similar type of deal??

Keith Law

  (1:38 PM)

The extra two and a half months of control are also a factor. You get Doc for this year's run, plus next year.

Philip (Huntsville)

Matusz signed a Major League deal. I believe he is already on the 40 man roster.

Keith Law

  (1:39 PM)

You're right - I had that wrong. I remember (now) other agents expressing shock that he took less money to get the major league deal.

Andrew (Nashville)

That ESPN server, Tony Pena Jr, and Luis Hernandez for Doc??

Keith Law

  (1:39 PM)

I'm not hanging up on that offer.

Jeremy (NJ)

If a team is that close to winning the WS, I think they should "sell" the farm in order to get one of the best pitchers in baseball. How often do prospects pan out anyway? 5% of them? maybe that? With Halladay you know what you're getting, and you're getting him for 2010 also. Sell the farm if you want Roy!

Keith Law

  (1:40 PM)

I agree with this. He's a difference-maker, you get him for two pennant runs, he's very durable. There's no question you'd want that guy out there in games 1 and 5 (1, 4, and 7?) in a playoff series.

Conor Gillaspie (San Jose)

KLaw, should I be concerned about my complete inability to hit for any kind of power whatsoever in the Cal League? Having been lauded as one of the top ten third base prospects in the game, is my .362 SLG and 1 HR in 323 PA acceptable?

Keith Law

  (1:41 PM)

At your age, in that league, it is not acceptable.

Mike (Akron)

Gotta ask Keith. Do the Indians blow it up in the offseason? I only ask because if they had an average bull-pen, they would probably be within 3-4 games of Central. So do you blow up a team because of a crappy bull-pen?

Keith Law

  (1:43 PM)

What's their 2010 rotation? They need to add a lot of pitching in the next eight months.

Jim (Acton, MA)

Do you believe that a player is a different "performer" in the playoffs? If so, does Doc's lack of post-season experience create any concern at all?

Keith Law

  (1:43 PM)

Except in rare cases, no, I don't think it matters.

Otto (CA)

Is Casey Kelly a soft tosser? I read somewhere that his fastball is mediocre.

Keith Law

  (1:43 PM)

You read wrong. Solid-average with two future-plus pitches (curve and change). And uncanny command for his age.

Keith Law

  (1:45 PM)

It's not a game; they've got him on a low innings limit, and he still wants to give hitting a shot. What's the alternative - send him home next week? His future is on the mound, but there's no real harm in letting him hit for two months.

Chris (Texas)

Aroldis Chapman or Stephen Strasburg? And why?

Keith Law

  (1:46 PM)

Strasburg. The reports on Chapman are pretty inconsistent, and we don't know for certain that he's 21.

Nick (Cleveland)

I really love watching Kelly Shoppach, Ryan Garko, and Ben Francisco take playing time away from Matt LaPorta, Carlos Santana, and Weglarz. The formers are bench players on a championship team and they are starters right now on the worst team in the leage IMO.

Keith Law

  (1:47 PM)

Yeah, their player development philosophy at the big-league level ... confuses me. Calling up LaPorta to balance out the weight on the bench wasn't one of their better decisions.

Sean (Pittsburgh)

Garrett Jones has looked impressive in his first games. Was he legitimately blocked in Minnesota or are there limitations there that will manifest themselves later on?

Keith Law

  (1:48 PM)

He's never had much command of the zone or ability to adjust to breaking stuff.

Jordan (Vancouver)

Gotta love the Jays paying 15mil to make sure Ryan never craps the bed for them again. Does Marc Rzepczynski have a future in the rotation or is he just filler?

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

I think he's a reliever - low slot, bad arm action, significant platoon split in the minors.

Walley (Woodstock, CT)

Short break from the Halladay histeria. Pearl Jam or Nirvana? Please say PJ.

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

Nirvana. I'd take Nevermind over any 12 PJ songs.

Alfonso Soriano (Chicago)

Garrtt Jones - "He's never had much command of the zone or ability to adjust to breaking stuff." Sounds exactly like me, but he makes $17M less.

Keith Law

  (1:50 PM)

Yeah, how's that contract looking now? Worse albatross - his or Wells'?

ajd (chicago)

Keith, noticed your recent tweet about Fear of a Black Hat. Great call -- I love that movie. Questions: 1) what happened to Vernon Wells? His decline surprised me. 2) Ever read Ellison's Invisible Man? I'm getting through it and like it much more than I anticipated.

Keith Law

  (1:52 PM)

And incredibly quotable. "When you take that bus, you get there." Wells really had just two great years before he got the big extension, and he'll chase stuff soft away forever. Liked Invisible Man, but it's not as good as Beloved or The Color Purple.

Russell (Knoxville)

Rosenthal said Rios is on the block and you mentioned it would be the best starting place for Toronto. Would he be worth a top prospect like Rohrbough to the Braves, considering his cost?

Keith Law

  (1:53 PM)

They can't take that contract.

James (OBKY)

Mike Stanton or Jason Heyward.....and why?

Keith Law

  (1:53 PM)

Heyward, because of pitch recognition and plate discipline.

Mark (Enfield, CT)

Keith...love the chats. Fernando Martinez, Wilmer Flores, and Jon Niese for Halladay? Also, given the Mets OF inneffectiveness, would it make sense to take on Wells or Rios' contract as well (and perhaps reduce the quality of the prospects required to sent to TOR)? Thanks!

Keith Law

  (1:54 PM)

No on the trade offer. I think Rios is actually a great fit for the Mets if they can take the contract.

Clayton (St Paul, MN)

So Girardi says Hughes has been a "one inning guy for awhile," yet he starts Aceves. What's up with that?

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

Protecting Hughes? He hasn't shown anything as a starter this year to make you figure he'll succeed if returned to the rotation.

Jason (St Louis)

Should we be disappointed in St Louis about Rasmus? He's been more than solid but hasn't come out of the gates like Braun or Longoria.

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

Isn't he also two years younger than those guys were when they debuted?

ajd (chicago)

Keith, what's the difference between a ... and a ... ?

Keith Law

  (1:56 PM)

You know I can't answer that here!

Rob Deer (Milwaukee)

KLaw, this insight is awesome. What is your scouts take on Homer Bailey for 2009? Is his curve a plus pitch? His 2009 minor league numbers suggest that he has improved command. Thank you kind sir!post your question or comment

Keith Law

  (1:57 PM)

Noticed his "TV velocity" was pretty solid last night. Always had the good curve, dating back to high school. But I have no idea what happened the last 15 months.

Mike (Ny)

Keith thanks for going on B.S Report, my 2 Favorite ESPN people on one podcast, made my week.

Keith Law

  (1:59 PM)

It was fun - Bill wants to do it again later this summer, maybe for the deadline. I ended up joking around a bit with Nate on yesterday's Fantasy Today podcast too, and Jason Churchill and I did a podcast on blogtalkradio (link is also on the dish). So if you can't get enough of the sound of my voice, this is your lucky week.

Paddy O (St. Louis, MO)

Keith, Real quick, Futures Game on Sunday. Who are the best players in your opinion that will be playing?

Keith Law

  (1:59 PM)

I'm going to write a column on that very topic for Saturday.

James (milwaukee)

When your talking about players like Cueto or Kershaw being involve in a deal plus top prospects is it really worth it for Halladay?

Keith Law

  (2:00 PM)

And this is what makes it so hard to find a viable trade proposal.

Briks (Philly)

Sorry to keep doing the "who would blink first game", but does Dominic Brown, Carrasco, Donald, Drabek make any sense for Halladay?

Keith Law

  (2:01 PM)

That's their best bolt, but I think concerns about both arms holds down its value. (Do the Phils just not trust Carrasco? Didn't impress with his antics last July, at least.)

Silv (NY, NY)

Great stuff this AM on Mike and Mike - I dig the real scouting perspective you bring to the show. What's more important to the Jays going forward - landing a brobdingnagian collection of talent for Doc or handcuffing Vernon to a prospective deal, in exchange for receiving less talent back?

Keith Law

  (2:02 PM)

Take the most talent you can get for Doc. I'd want two players in or close to the big leagues, then some fliers on guys lower down in the minors. A package of four players, none of whom could play in the majors this year (realistically), wouldn't be enough for me.

Mooks (Brooklyn)

Why are none of my questions getting through

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

Because I've received over 2000 questions already.

Nick (Chesterbrook, PA)

Agreed on the podcast. You and Bill kept it rolling nicely. That was one of the best podcasts I've listened to in a while.Not to saddle you with starting a rumor, but which teams do you think could/should make a big push for Halladay? Since he can void any deal, Halladay will likely not accept anything that doesn't result in a meaty extension, right?

Keith Law

  (2:04 PM)

If he goes somewhere where he'll get big run support and can make a push at a Cy, it's in his interest to accept the trade without an extension. By the same token, accepting a deal to a hitters' park like Texas, Colorado, or the White Sox might not be in his interest.

nick (chicago)

Keith, ive heard 1 million times the Phillies are in the best shape to get Doc, and The Red Sox and Yanks are potential suitors. CAn you give me some sleepers who could possibly make the move to get him?

Keith Law

  (2:08 PM)

I love the whole "the Phillies are the front-runners!" meme. This isn't a race. Texas certainly has young talent in spades. The Giants have always liked Halladay - they could have had him in early '03 - and they have the players, although I wouldn't call the rotation an area of need for them. (Again, Rios would be a fit - they want someone who can actually play center out there, and Rios was a good CF in the minors). Someone mentioned the Reds ... what if they decided to offer Bruce and Cueto as a starting point? Just to be clear, these are not rumors, this is my own speculation. I don't want MLBTraderumors running a "Keith Law's Halladay Rumors" post later today.

Bear (PHX)

Bleach or In Utero?

Keith Law

  (2:08 PM)

Bleach.

Tyler (Park City)

Hanson...ROY?

Keith Law

  (2:08 PM)

Rasmus.

Vern (SF)

The Giants have the pospects for Doc, and have the money to take on Rios. If they agree to take on Rios' contract, does it reduce Doc's asking price significantly? Alderson, Bowker, Frandsen for Doc, Rios?

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

Speaking of which - LA 710 AM at 3, Atlanta 680 AM at 3:30.

Chris (Texas)

Would a Davis, Max Ramirez, Casey Kiker and MARTIN PEREZ, from Texas get it done for Doc? 2 big league ready players under their control for a while and 2 leftys with upside, especially perez. Plus it leaves the Rangers farm system in tacked?

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

I'm not sure I'd call Chris Davis "big league ready" after that first half he just threw up.

Allan (NYC)

Javier Vazquez = best pitcher in MLB this season. Agree or disagree?

Keith Law

  (2:10 PM)

Disagree. But absolutely should have been on the All-Star Team over a first-half fluke like Ryan Franklin. Good luck maintaining that BABIP, Ryan.

Joe (NJ)

Wagner Mateo.Thoughts.Potential.Thanks KLaw

Keith Law

  (2:11 PM)

I haven't seen Mateo, sorry. Other than Kepler, whom the Twins just signed, I haven't even seen (usable) video on any of the international guys.

Jay (Irvine, CA)

Why is it vital for the Jays to get major league ready players? They're not contending in the next couple years; wouldn't a package of stud prospects earlier in the system be a better fit?

Keith Law

  (2:12 PM)

For one thing, players who are closer to the majors are less risky, and you don't want to end up with a weak return like the Twins got for Santana. Also, I'm not as down on the talent on that roster. Hill, Lind, Snider, Romero, Cecil, a returning Marcum, Rios if he's not dealt ... pretty good start.

Max (NC)

How much better is the Phillies' farm system than the Mets, if at all?

Keith Law

  (2:15 PM)

More top-heavy. Marginally better overall. Why does everyone kill the Mets' system? Mejia, Flores, Holt, Martinez, and while I didn't love Ike Davis, he's performing well so far. That's a pretty solid top five. Phillies' system is better, though.

fish (out of water)

whats your opinion of dayan viciedo? too much of a "free-swinger"?

Keith Law

  (2:16 PM)

Too fat.

KO (Pittsfield, MA)

I am a little torn when it comes to Baby Bear on Sesame St. Trying to be sensitive to speech impediments, but do we want our kids picking up such habits as pronouncing L's and R's like W's? Yes I spend too much time thinking about this stuff.....Roy Hawwaday is weawwy weawwy good.

Keith Law

  (2:16 PM)

I just find it annoying in anything more than small doses. By the way, Word World > Super Why.

Clayton (St Paul, MN)

So what do you think of Kepler?

Keith Law

  (2:19 PM)

I like him. Four-tool guy who needs help with his swing - back-side collapse, predetermined uphill path ... he swings like a guy who hasn't had a lot of coaching. He's also 16 and is a ridiculously good athlete. If he was American, he'd be a first-round candidate for 2010. Great work by the Twins' international department given the interest Boston and the Reds had.

Todd Helton's Contract (Denver)

Do I ever end?

Keith Law

  (2:19 PM)

Willie Wilson's Contract just called you a piker.

Dan (Philly)

how can you call a prospect too fat when you see what kung fu panda is doing....baseball is a sport where u can be fat and play, deal with it

Keith Law

  (2:20 PM)

Except that Viciedo can't play third base if he can't even see his own feet.

Linton (Fredericton, NB)

Keith - Scouting report on Jeremy Hellickson. Does he have top-of-the-rotation potential and where does he rank among the Rays young pitching prospects?

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Mid-rotation guy - doesn't have a knockout pitch to be at the top of a rotation.

nick (chicago)

I wish Viciedo was kung fu panda....unfortanutely hes not. Whose the first ML player? Viciedo, Mitchell, or Flowers?

Keith Law

  (2:21 PM)

Flowers. He can hit.

Daniel (St. Louis)

Is there anything more annoying than when somebody online says "deal with it"? Very brave to say that on the internet.

Keith Law

  (2:22 PM)

Much more annoying: Chatters who use text message spelling like "u." What exactly did you save by omitting those two letters?

Steve (NJ)

What are your thoughts on Yo Gabba Gabba? I have two daughters (4

Keith Law

  (2:22 PM)

I have a friend who has done some work on the show, but my wife says it's too weird and refuses to let my daughter watch it.

joe (san diego)

Hey Klaw, huge fan. Logan Forsythe, James Darnell, Jaff Decker, Lance Zawadki, Donavon Tate (assuming he signs): any all-stars in that group or everyday major leaguers? thanks

Keith Law

  (2:23 PM)

Everyday guys: Decker, Tate, Forsythe. Tate has All-Star potential, but also a lot more risk of falling short of everyday status.

Danny (NYC)

Word World > Super Why - ok. But Word Girl > both.

Keith Law

  (2:23 PM)

Different age group, though.

Keith Law

  (2:25 PM)

Thanks for all the questions. I'll be back next week, and I'll have a Futures Game wrap-up on the site sometime on Sunday evening.