ESPN

Keith Law

  (1:02 PM)

I just want you all to know that I've been lobbying for a job in MLB's European Academy in Italy, so you can't trust anything I say about Alex Liddi or Alessandro Maestri. I'm sorry.

Dan (Washington, DC)

Keith, what's your overall opinion of the job Neil Huntingdon has done in trying to rebuild the Pirates. Your assessment of individual deals seems like you feel he's doing a poor job, but is the sum greater than the individual parts?

Keith Law

  (1:03 PM)

I haven't seen a big win in any of the deals, but it's the right overall strategy. The core he inherited wasn't winning anything, and the farm system was in sad shape. I just don't agree with many of their evaluations of individual players, like the Alvarez over Posey/Smoak decision.

Matt (Boston, MA)

I know you won't be getting any questions about it, but can we please talk about Manny and Ortiz taking steroids for the entire chat?

Keith Law

  (1:03 PM)

Of co ... wait a minute, $5. And no more Ortiz questions.

Rob (Brighton, MA)

Keith, imagine you're Theo and you can only keep two of the folowing: Buchholz, Kelly, Anderson, Rizzo, Westmoreland, or Reddick. Who would you choose?

Keith Law

  (1:04 PM)

Wow. Buchholz and Kelly, but that's not an easy one.

Allen (Lubbock)

There is a rumor right now that the Dodgers may be able to get Halladay without losing their young pitchers. If they can get it done for prospects, does that make them the favorite in the NL?

Keith Law

  (1:04 PM)

"There is a rumor..." From who? The drunk guy on the corner in the tin-foil hat?

John (NY)

Can you give me an explanation of why the Tribe settled for Marson instead of holding out for Taylor? I mean, they do have someone named Carlos Santana ready to start crushing very soon. It is always good to have a few catchers b/c they are precious commodities, but still.

Keith Law

  (1:05 PM)

Not only do I not understand that - I have always found Marson to be overrated; he swings down at the ball and is a groundball machine - but I don't understand why you'd take Marson instead of insisting on Travis d'Arnaud, a better prospect with more upside and whose timeframe doesn't conflict so directly with Santana's.

Alex (Miami)

So apparently the Marlins went after Halladay but talks ended when the Jays asked for Maybin and Stanton. Would you have done the trade?

Keith Law

  (1:06 PM)

I doubt that was the entire offer.

Keith Law

  (1:06 PM)

By the way, if you're bringing me a rumor from somewhere else, tell me where it's from. I need to know what I'm commenting on.

Jason (Orlando)

Keith, what are your thoughts on Alderson? I saw that his velocity is down this year. Do you think he is injured or just destined to be a #5 type starter?

Keith Law

  (1:07 PM)

I don't think he's injured, but he's not a real physical kid (yet, plenty of room to fill out) and his delivery has effort. He's gone backwards, that's absolutely a concern. One scout I talked to who saw him in July said he wrote him up as a 5th starter.

Otis (Mt Airy, NC)

Lester>Joba>Buchholz>Hughes...Would you agree?

Keith Law

  (1:07 PM)

Yes.

Levi (West Virginia)

Keith, do you think that the MLB will ever implement a salary cap, like the rest of the major sports? or will it take someone like Bill Gates or Donald Trump to purchase a franchise and build their own all-star team before this flawed system is exposed?

Keith Law

  (1:08 PM)

The only flaw is in the minds of people who think baseball needs a salary cap or that a salary cap is going to do anything for baseball but line owners' pockets.

Greg (NJ)

Did you interact with Omar Minaya much when you worked in MLB. If so, is he better "off camera"?

Keith Law

  (1:09 PM)

Interacted with him more in this job, just once while I was with Toronto. Great guy, very charismatic. He showed bad judgment on Monday - very bad - but I also think it was a case of letting his frustration get the better of him. I am surprised he hasn't been fired, but I am not sure I would have just fired him on the spot either.

Mike (az)

Keith,Im searching for a dbacks question to ask you but this team is such a mess at every single level from ownership to players, and at every position I honestly cant think of a question to ask. I suppose i could ask if you think justin upton has any idea what a "cut-off" man is but after watching him all season long im am confident the answer is no.

Keith Law

  (1:10 PM)

I'm glad I could help you clear that up.

Scott (Boston)

What if, included with a salary cap, there was a salary floor (say, $50 million) that you had to hit?

Keith Law

  (1:10 PM)

Great way to screw lower-revenue teams. Yeah, that'll help matters.

Tom V (Newtown, PA)

Did Sabean know something about Alderson that the rest of us don't know?

Keith Law

  (1:12 PM)

I'm guessing his player development people were telling him Alderson's fastball and curve had both gone backwards this year. If I didn't have history with Alderson in HS, I would probably have talked about this as too little for Pittsburgh, based solely on what Alderson is now. I've seen him much better than this, and I do like the feel for pitching, so I'm still giving him extra credit.

JB (Peoria)

I read The Dish too, but if you could recommend one book that you have read in the last year, what would it be?

Keith Law

  (1:12 PM)

Jonathan Strange

Scott (Boston)

Then screw lower-revenue teams. Sell them to someone who'll invest in the team and try to make the team more competitive and generate more revenue. People will start watching a team that wins consistently.

Keith Law

  (1:13 PM)

But what if the best strategy is to sell off the veterans for prospects, and then spend a year or two playing the prospects? A salary floor would make that more difficult if not impossible.

Drunk Guy w/ Tin Foil Hat (Corner)

A salary floor ensures only that a bunch of undeserving players will be overpaid.

Keith Law

  (1:14 PM)

I've been telling you all to listen to this guy more often.

todd godawa (roseville michigan)

I am really sick of all these clowns that have tested positive for steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. Manny and now ortiz,it will never end all their accomplishments should have an asterisk period.

Keith Law

  (1:15 PM)

What is "an asterisk period?" Maybe I shouldn't ask someone who doesn't know much about the comma.

Jeff (Oakland)

Did Brett Anderson have that hard breaking slider he's showing now? Don't remember any of the scouting reports including that pitch and it seems like a plus pitch for him.

Keith Law

  (1:15 PM)

No, I had the CB ahead of the SL when I saw him ... I liked him a lot coming into this year, but he has improved beyond my expectations.

Matt (Jacksonville)

Can I issue a big Who Cares on behalf of all baseball fans towards any steroid related news?

Keith Law

  (1:16 PM)

Just tell the writers flogging the story to send their words to Lake Nobody Cares.

Marc (Philadelphia)

KL - as we approach August 17th - Strasburg, National or Indy ball?

Keith Law

  (1:16 PM)

Nationals.

Matt (Philly)

So when Curt Schilling swears he never saw steroids in the locker room, despite being on the 1993 Phillies, 2001 Dbacks and 2004 Red Sox, what should we say to him??

Keith Law

  (1:17 PM)

To get his eyes checked?

leetee1955 (Silver Spring, MD)

Can you explain why JP Riccardi felt it necessary to go so very public with his "we need to trade Roy Halladay" pronouncement? Doesn't this approach limit his options rather than letting his colleagues know through back channels that the team is looking to move Doc?

Keith Law

  (1:19 PM)

Well, it didn't help. I'm not sure why you'd go so public with it.

Keith Law

  (1:20 PM)

OK, I'm going to be on ESPNEWS in a moment here to talk about the "asterisk period" guys. I'll come back to continue the chat after that.

Jarrett (Jersey City)

Is the AL's superiority to the NL at all related to the DH rule ir just the fact that more well-run organizations happen to play in the AL?

Jeff (Oakland)

Brett Anderson seems to be putting it together after some early season struggles. Could you see him making a run at ROY?

Keith Law

  (1:24 PM)

I'd always bet on a hitter winning RoY. It's something like 2:1 hitters over pitchers in the last ten years. Voters aren't comfortable comparing hitters to pitchers and the benchmarks for hitters for postseason awards are pretty well established. If a rookie pitcher won 20 games, that would change the calculus.

Keith Law

  (1:25 PM)

Going back to the AL/NL ... my theory is that it's a competitive issue. The AL had some smarter front offices that tried new strategies and looked for inefficiencies in the various markets for players, raising the bar for other front offices in the league. The NL had Randy Smith, Dave Littlefield, and Jim Bowden.

Dayton M. (KC)

Don't abandon the process KLAW!

Keith Law

  (1:27 PM)

I've got August 12th in the Yuni's-next-walk pool.

Cox (Somerset, NJ)

Hey Klaw, have you ever interacted with Tony Bernazard at either of your previous jobs? If so, would you be able to say if any of Rubin's accusations seemed out of character based on what you have experienced?

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

Met him once, in this job. I believe there was a barely-perceptible nod of the head, an acknowledgement that he had just been introduced to a sentient creature, but that since said creature had not played in the big leagues, he was no more worthy of any further demonstration than a sand gnat. In other words, he big-leagued me.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

What do you think a team would have to give up to get Zach Duke? I'm a Rangers fan and I want them to pursue him.

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

Worst. Fit. Ever?

Brian (Paris)

KLaw, what do you know about Julio Borbon's defense? What kind of value does he have for the Rangers this year or next?

Keith Law

  (1:29 PM)

Plus range, below-average arm.

Chris (Seattle)

Do you find the Cleveland Indians logo offensive?

Keith Law

  (1:30 PM)

I find their name offensive.

Rob (Boston)

more or less offensive than the washington redskins?

Keith Law

  (1:32 PM)

Oh no - that's worse, bad enough that I believe they lost their federal trademark.

Adam (San Diego)

or the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish?

Keith Law

  (1:32 PM)

That's fine because it's so accurate.

Dan (DC)

Still think David Hernandez winds up in the bullpen?

Keith Law

  (1:35 PM)

I'm not sure what this refers to, but an extreme flyball pitcher who doesn't miss bats isn't going to work out as a starter in the AL East unless he starts striking guys out like he did in the minors. 55% flyball rate and just 4 HR in 45 IP.

Sara K (Vermillion)

I think all ethnic names are rather lame, but at least "Irish" refers to a particular ethnicity. "Indians" and "Redskins" lumps several different cultural groups into one mass. Heck, they all look the same to us, right?

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

Not only that, but the only people I know of with red skin are people with Irish blood who spent too much time in the sun.

Joe (Chicago)

Keith, please settle an argurment. Who would you rather have for the short term and long term and why: Gavin Floyd or John Danks. I'm fairly certain you'll agree with me and say Danks, though I must admit, Floyd is really becoming a horse for the White Sox.

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

Danks. Better stuff, better command.

Chad (STL)

Have you noticed anything wrong in Pujols' swing? I know he's a bad ball hitter as much as anyone, but it seems like he's not quite being picky enough.

Keith Law

  (1:36 PM)

You're joking, right?

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

I know that you don't want any Papi questions, but do you think that the report only came out b/c the writer was interested in a job in the pharmaceutical industry?

Keith Law

  (1:37 PM)

I'm guessing the info came from a guy who wanted a job in the confidential-information-leaking-weasel industry.

James (Carrollton, GA)

KLAW, which JJ has a bigger upside...Jair Jurrjens or Josh Johnson?

Keith Law

  (1:39 PM)

Johnson.

Jason (Chicago)

What is the chance that Alderson does NOT become a top of the rotation guy?

Keith Law

  (1:40 PM)

He's not going to be a #1, and right now I'd put the chances of him becoming a

Walley (Woodstock, CT)

What position does Gordan Beckham play longterm?

Keith Law

  (1:41 PM)

He hasn't been great at third base, but it could be because it's a new position. I still want to see him at shortstop in the majors.

CG (IL)

Where do you come in on Beurhle--Underrated or a guy just had a good night and a half? Where would you rank him currently?

Keith Law

  (1:42 PM)

I don't think either of those extremes applies. Durable guy with great command of fringy stuff.

Ian (Hoboken)

Who's the better prospect...Brown, Taylor, or Drabek?

Keith Law

  (1:42 PM)

Brown is the best guy in their system.

brandon (east hanover)

Jason Heyward is hitting almost .450 since his call up to double a. Any chance we see him in the majors? He sure would be great for right field.

Keith Law

  (1:43 PM)

I think it would be premature - they rushed Schafer and it didn't exactly work out - but I don't think he'd fall on his face, either. He should be in their outfield in April.

Doug (on vacation)

As a Dodger fan, what would they have to give up in order to get Halladay? Is it possible to not give up Kershaw?

Keith Law

  (1:44 PM)

If I'm Ricciardi, I want Kershaw or Kemp in the deal. Otherwise, it doesn't work. Any package of prospects from that system isn't enough - Elbert, Lindblom, Withrow, Martin, Bell, Lambo, Gordon ... those are the best guys, and I can't put any combo of four together that is worth Doc.

jeff (manhattan)

Heyward>Bruce long term?

Keith Law

  (1:44 PM)

I think so. But I think Bruce is going to be pretty good too.

Taylor (Pennsville, NJ)

If you could pick one non-major leaguer to start a team with right now who would it be?

Keith Law

  (1:45 PM)

Yu Darvish?

jeff (manhattan)

Keith, I know you're not the biggest Alcides Escobar fan, but other than power, wouldn't he be na improvement over JJ Hardy in every way?

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

Right now, yes, but is Hardy really this bad? I'm not a huge Hardy fan either, but I think he's better than what he's shown this year.

Andrew (Phx, AZ)

The Royals just traded for Josh Anderson from the Tigers. I know he was considered a decent prospect when he was in the Braves system. What does he project to be, starter? 4th outfielder?

Keith Law

  (1:49 PM)

5th outfielder or AAAA guy.

Nick (Toronto)

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun is reporting that 'Looks like Rolen to Reds has a "good chance" of getting done'. The Reds would reportedly be sending Yonder Alonso back.I love Scott Rolen but isn't this a huge steal for the Jays? What on earth are the Reds thinking

Keith Law

  (1:50 PM)

I'm not sure why the Reds would do that.

Osick (c-town)

KLAW---I know you don't particuliarly like the players the Tribe got back, but, is the farm system close to top 5 overall? I think they have good quality guys but only a couple future superstars...what say you?

Keith Law

  (1:50 PM)

That's a good summary of it. Who are the future stars - Santana and Chisenhall ... and that's it? Not sure where Rondon ends up.

Stanley (Oakville, ON)

Is it ironic that the same sportswriters/fans who call into radio shows who were urging JP not to trade Halladay are now excoriating him for "missing the boat" after Philadelphia traded nothing too special for Cliff Lee? If he'd traded Halladay for the same package, he would have been (deservedly) ripped for not getting enough!

Keith Law

  (1:51 PM)

Completely agree. Risky move to stick to his guns, but the right one.

Graeme (Denver)

Do you think the Monfart bros. will pay Matzek?

Keith Law

  (1:52 PM)

I think it's a major mistake if they don't.

Timmy (Toronto)

Long Time Listener, First Time Caller -- When you go on ESPN NEWS TV Live, are you doing this from the Bristol Studio? From your Home with a Fake BG? Thanks.

Keith Law

  (1:52 PM)

Split screen? I'm in a local studio near my house. It's great, because after my hit, I can go to Target across the street. Productive hour all around.

Daniel (Lodi, CA)

Have you seen or heard much on the Giants' Rafael Rodriguez? He has shown zero power in games, but his good walk totals and low strikeout numbers have to be moderately surprising given his age and reputation as a free swinger.

Keith Law

  (1:53 PM)

Tiny sample, but yes, it's surprising. He had all the makings of a hacker.

Gene (New Haven)

I was just looking over the BA prospect handbook, all four of the guys Cleveland got for Lee ranked in the top 10, with three of them ranking 2,3 and four (Carrasco, Marson and Donald) so why are people saying Cleveland didn't get as much as they could?

Keith Law

  (1:54 PM)

Because I don't write for BA?

Brian (NJ)

It has been pretty well established that line up protection is a myth right? How come during every Yankees telecast I have to hear about how important it is?

Keith Law

  (1:54 PM)

Because ... I can't answer that question.

Jarred (Kansas)

Keith, Why did the Royals trade for Josh Anderson today?

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

He's part of the process, Jarred.

Rob (LA)

Just started reading "Lolita" - like it so far. Ever read it?

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

Yes. #40 on the Klaw 100.

Chris (NoVa)

Drew Storen has 26Ks (16.4K/9) vs. 0 BBs in A ball to go with a .193 BAA. Is this just a case of a man among boys, or is he actually this good?

Keith Law

  (1:55 PM)

Man among boys. Move him up.

Michael (Chicago)

Heard you on Mike and Mike, you're doing ESPNews. KLaw is everywhere, just don't go all Tony Bernazard and bigtime us and drop the chats. KLaw chats are must reads!

Keith Law

  (1:56 PM)

Taking my shirt off now...

Bill (Toronto)

Put yourself in JP's shoes for a minute. Who would you be looking to move and for what? I know you like the idea of trading Rios but what about Rolen, Overbay, Frasor and Scutaro?

Keith Law

  (1:57 PM)

Keep Rolen if you're trying to win in 2010. Definitely trade Overbay and Frasor - relievers are too volatile, if you get a good offer, flip him.

Taylor (Pennsville, NJ)

Is pitcher handedness something to consider when building a rotation? The guys on ESPN this morning were a little concerned that Philly now has 4 lefties in their rotation. Is this a problem? If so why?

Keith Law

  (1:58 PM)

I was asked that on one of our affiliates yesterday and I was dumbfounded. Unless you're talking about lefties who don't get righties out - generally known as "relievers" - this isn't a major problem.

evan (philly)

Who would you say are the Phillies top 5 prospects now? Were any of the players sent out yesterday formerly in your top 5?

Keith Law

  (2:02 PM)

I would have had Knapp in the top 5, probably Carrasco even though I'm not a big fan. Now? Brown, Drabek, Taylor, d'Arnaud is your top tier.

B (Walnut Creek, CA)

Hey Keith, I know you've answered some questions about Alderson already, but I have an important one. At the time of the trade, was he still a Top 100 prospect? Grade B guy? It's hard for fans to find that out, and we need that information to make an informed decision on whether this was a good or bad trade.

Keith Law

  (2:03 PM)

He'd be back end of a top 100 at best. I stuffed him at 26 on my preseason ranking because of age, performance, and the grade 55 or 60 curveball, but that pitch isn't there for him right now.

jeff (manhattan)

Kershaw's been one of the best pitchers in baseball the past month and a half. Do you expect any regression, or is this what we can expect moving forward?

Keith Law

  (2:04 PM)

Long term, he's a #1 starter.

Pete (Philly)

So - in the past several years, the Pirates have traded an entire starting 8 (Kendall, LaRoche, Sanchez, A. Ramirez, Bay, Nady, McClouth) and in return got only prospects. If you take the best of the prospects they got, say.... G. Hernandez, An. LaRoche, Jeff Clement, Jose Tabata and Tim Alderson (or any other you choose to insert) - could you make a deal for just Roy Halladay? My point is not that they should deal for Halladay - rather that they've traded their entire team and got back less, or around the same, as the value of 1 elite player.

Keith Law

  (2:04 PM)

No. That's a lot of quantity but not the impact talent I'd demand for a Halladay.

Josh (Detroit)

So Alderson is more Ian Kennedy than Phil Hughes right now, but has shown Hughes type ability?

Keith Law

  (2:05 PM)

Alderson is taller than IPK, has shown a better breaking ball, and is younger now than IPK was when he was drafted.

Andy (LA)

If you were the Dodgers, would you trade Kershaw for Halladay straight up?

Keith Law

  (2:05 PM)

No. Someone tell me why the Dodgers need Halladay again?

Mike (Philly)

So what is your take on Carlos Carrasco? More of a 4-5, but has the potential to be a 2-3??

Keith Law

  (2:06 PM)

A 4/5. I don't see him ever becoming a 2 and pretty low chance he's even a 3.

Ulrik (Vibotg, Denmark)

Love your chat Keith. Do you think that Ryan Westmoreland is the most exiting position player; the Red Sox have had in their system, since Hanley Ramirez?

Keith Law

  (2:06 PM)

I'm not sure how to answer that - he's very exciting, although he still has yet to play centerfield because of the shoulder surgery.

Mike Singletary (49ers camp)

Oh yeah, if this chat gets any worse, I'm dropping my pants.

Keith Law

  (2:09 PM)

In that case, I'm outta here. I'll be back in two weeks!