Jim Callis

  (2:01 PM)

Hello, everyone. As we wait for World Series Game One, I'm sitting here editing our Phillies Top 10 Prospects list for our NL East issue. But I'll gladly take a break to answer your questions for the next hour . . .

Adam (San Diego)

Jed Hoyer's first moves for the Padres were to fire Fuson and reassign Gayton. Any ideas on who he might be eyeing to lead his revamped scouting department? Who should he be looking at?

Jim Callis

  (2:03 PM)

This is strictly rumor-mongering, but one scenario I've heard is that professional scout Chris Gwynn would become farm director and national crosschecker Scott Littlefield would become scouting director. One story I read out of Boston is that Hoyer wouldn't be bringing people from the Red Sox to take the same jobs in San Diego.

Jack (Toronto)

Is Starlin Castro an elite prospect? Top 25? 50?

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

He's one of the best shortstop prospects in the minors. Not sure I'd put him in the Top 25 overall yet, but I could see him in the 26-50 range.

Nick (Baltimore)

jim, love the chats. who says no to this deal first, orioles or brewers, and why?; arrieta, pie, erbe, zagone, and britton for prince fielder.

Jim Callis

  (2:06 PM)

I'd say no if I were the Brewers. I don't want to trade Prince Fielder for five smaller parts. I want a good big league or big league-ready pitcher at the core of that deal. Those guys, outside of Arrieta, are all spare parts for the Orioles.

JAYPERS (IL)

Jim, in your Draft Report Card for the Nationals, you say that both Strasburg and Storen could go straight to the parent club next spring (without an inning's worth of work in the minors, in Strasburg's case). Do you really see this as a legit possibility, or was this merely a hypothetical?

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

Based purely on talent, it's a very legitimate possibility, because both Strasburg and Storen are better than most of Washington's pitchers. But if I'm running the Nationals, with no chance to win in 2010, I'm keeping them in the minors long enough to delay their free agency (and perhaps their arbitration) for another year.

Aaron Crow (Surprise, AZ)

I make my pro debut today. What do I best project as, and do you think I have a higher ceiling than guys like Montgomery, Duffy and Melville?

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

I think Crow can become a No. 2 starter, though some scouts like him more as a closer. All four of those guys have very comparable ceilings, and it's hard to separate them. I'd take Crow using big league-readiness (he's closer than the others) as a tiebreaker.

Tim (Towson) [via mobile]

With Josh Bell and Brandon Snyder on the rise, how much insurance should the Os buy at the corners this offseason? One or two stopgaps? One longer-term solution if you think Snyder won't hit enough at 1B?

Jim Callis

  (2:11 PM)

I wouldn't make a long-term investment at either position unless it's a legitimate difference maker. I'd look for a one-year stopgap, with an eye on breaking in Bell and Snyder in 2011.

steve (maryland)

it seems the media is not giving the phils much of a chance to win, so why do you think a defending champion is getting so little respect

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

I don't think that's the case. I think the Yankees are the stronger team, which is why most people are picking them to win. But everything I've read or heard has acknowledged that the Phillies are a strong team and will give the Yankees a good fight. Philadelphia easily could win the World Series.

Brian (Eau Claire)

Will you please settle a disagreement I have with a friend. Who would you rather have Ryan Braun or Jayson Werth?

Jim Callis

  (2:13 PM)

Braun. He can still get better and has more prime years remaining. Werth is a good player who probably had a career year.

CBC (san marcos)

Does any team have a better trio of prospects than the Rangers' Smoak/Feliz/Perez?

Jim Callis

  (2:15 PM)

Nope. That's the best prospect trio.

Tim (Dallas)

Scheppers or Crow? (assume both remain healthy)

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

If you can guarantee health, I'd take Scheppers. But if you can't, I'd take Crow.

Eric (Lorain, OH)

Hey Jim, Which player was rated higher as a prospect, Jay Bruce or Jason Heyward?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

Heyward, but there wasn't a big difference.

Eric (Lorain, OH)

Hey Jim,Why isn't Carlos Santana regarded as highly as Buster Posey?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

Because he's not as good defensively. Santana is a tremendous prospect, though.

Grant (Chicago)

Does Ynoa's injury this year lower his stock (he's so young that he has a ways a go to survive the minors intact), or do you just give him an incomplete/pass for the year (it doesn't hint too much at recurring injury problems or diminishing tools)?

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

Sorry, had to take a quick phone call. The fact that Ynoa wasn't physically able to take the mound has to ding his prospect status, doesn't it? That's a huge red flag for me.

Richie (SC)

Do you think that Craig Kimbrel will ever gain good enough control to be an effective major league pitcher?

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

Yes. With his mid-90s fastball and his slider, he just needs to get to "effectively wild" to get the job done in the majors. If he can do better than that, he has closer potential.

Tom (San Francisco, CA)

Should Freddie Freeman's performance thus far in the Arizona Fall League be a cause for concern?

Jim Callis

  (2:30 PM)

I had a scout tell me he was disappointed in Freeman's bat speed and athleticism. But Freeman had wrist problems during the season, and it often takes a long time for a hitter to recover from that. I don't place a lot of stock in AFL performance and I'm not alarmed by Freeman's.

Bob (Philly)

Jim,I didn't see your WS pick????Want a little advice? Nobody will remember if you pick the Yanks whether they win or lose, since nearly EVERBODY is picking them!!!! Pick the Phillies, and if they win, you'll look like a genius!Besides, all statistics and match-ups aside, this Phillies team just seems to have a knack for it... for living in the moment, embracing it and ripping it away from their opponent. If the Phillies win game 1 against CC, they will systematically grind away at the Yankees just as a slowly grinding sausage machine can churn up even the very best Kobe beef.

Jim Callis

  (2:31 PM)

I picked the Yankees before the playoffs and I'll stick with them in seven games. I think the Series really could go either way. The Phillies are a very good.

Danny (Washington DC)

Are Chris Marrero's fall league stats for real? He seems to be playing as well as anyone out there with the bat...the Nats need one of these guys to break through.

Jim Callis

  (2:32 PM)

Again, don't read too much into AFL stats. But Marrero has a legit bat. He has hit as long as he has been healthy, and that should continue.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Jim, would you honestly sacrifice Posada's bat for Molina's "game-calling"?

Jim Callis

  (2:33 PM)

No, I would not. But if it makes a huge difference to A.J. Burnett, it might be worth playing Molina.

Adam (San Diego)

I'm a Padre fan and Adrian Gonzalez fan. However, I think Hoyer needs to trade Gonzo now at peak value and plug Blanks in at first. Do you agree with this notion? What sort of haul do you think he could get in return?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

I agree as well because the Padres aren't going to win in the near future and Blanks needs to play first base. I think Gonzalez would bring back a package of 3-4 quality prospects.

Mike (Utica, NY)

Any surprises in the Phillies top 10 and is there hope for Zach Collier?

Jim Callis

  (2:36 PM)

I won't give away much, but I'll tell you that Domingo Santana is No. 10. You'll have to check our website and magazine for anything more. As for Collier, I loved that pick at the time it was made but he had a pretty dreadful first full year. He's still very young, so there's hope.

Jason (Charlotte)

When should be expect the N.L. East Top Ten posted online?

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

The first one will go up next Monday. It looks like we'll start with the Braves, though that's not 100 percent certain.

jim (virginia)

As a Braves fan I couldn't be more exicted about having one of the game's top prospects (if not the top prospect) in Jayson Heyward. But after him I worry about the depth of the farm system. How would you rate the overall strength of the farm as compared to other organizations?

Jim Callis

  (2:38 PM)

I haven't lined up all the systems, but I was shocked at the Braves' lack of depth, considering they always seem to have a Top 10 system. But once you get past Heyward, Freeman, Teheran, Minor and Kimbrel, it falls off quickly. Particularly in terms of position players.

Rich (NYC)

In a recent Giants mailbag, beat reporter Chris Haft mentioned Roger Kieschnick and Chris Dominguez as two guys he's got his eye on, "due to their ability to sock the ball." What do you make of these two?

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

That's accurate. They can both crush the ball, and Dominguez might have as much pure raw power as anyone in the minors. Both have had issues with making consistent contact, and their ability to do so will determine their future.

Jim (Needles, CA)

Any chance Jarrod Parker will get to pitch before 2011?

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

Highly unlikely. He's having the surgery today and it's usually a year before a pitcher is ready to return to the mound.

Tom (San Francisco, CA)

As a Jays fan, how annoyed/outraged should I be that they let Paxton, Eliopolous & Barrett walk away?

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

Very outraged. They'll get comp picks in next year's draft for them, but you have to sign talent, not let it walk away.

Tuttle (Michigan)

Dynasty question? My Bumgarner, LaPorta, and D. Hudson for his Mauer. I will have a bargain basement C otherwise. Thank you.

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

I'd do that in a second.

Drew (Boise)

Is your answer for Eric a cautionary tale for the Heyward bandwagoners, or do we forget yet that Bruce could still be a blue chipper?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Sure, Bruce struggled this year. But while hurt and scuffling, he hit 22 homers in 101 games as a 22-year-old. He's still going to be great.

daniel (New York)

Who was the best prospect ever? Strasburg, Prior, A-Rod, Griffey Jr.?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Surverying veteran evaluators, Strasburg is the consensus best pitching prospect ever. Justin Upton or Alex Rodriguez would be the best hitting prospect unless I'm forgetting someone.

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

It's a difficult question to answer, because the latest incarnation always gets billed as the best ever. And gets the most hype.

Nick (Seattle)

Who was a higher rated prospect, Felix Hernandez or Neftali Feliz?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

King Felix.

James (Waterbury, CT)

Strasburg's 2010 will be better than Prior's 2002, T/F?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Let's kick off the lightning round here. I will say false. Prior had a 3.32 ERA and 147 K in 117 IP, that's a high bar to clear for Strasburg.

Danny (Washington DC)

Ok, Callis, Badler, K-Law and Kurkijan in an MMA style cage match--who is left standing?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Probably Badler. With my bad back, it would be easy to take me down quick. Badler is much younger than the rest of us, unless I'm overestimating Keith's age (if so, sorry, Keith). Kurkijan used to play basketball with Cal Ripken Jr., so he might surprise us.

Mike (Utica, NY)

Yeah but Kurkijan is like 5'5.

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Low center of gravity.

Jeff (Dayton)

Martin Perez, Casey Kelly, or Matt Moore. Highest ceiling? Highest probability of success?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Perez has the highest ceiling. I'll say Kelly has the highest probability, because he has the best feel for pitching.

Drew (Boise)

Is your answer to Tuttle a cautionary tale about prospect values in general (you're on record as saying you'd trade prospects for MLB talent in fantasy leagues, I think), or is it something about his prospects specifically?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

I would definitely trade prospects for sure things in fantasy baseball, because a certain percentage of prospects (even the best ones) aren't going to pan out.

Daniel (SF)

lightning round: Madison Bumgarner or Derek Holland?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Bumgarner.

lou (southern cal)

lab or spaniel?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Golden retriever.

Kevin (LI)

Lightening round. Holt and Meija...Starters or relievers?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

My gut says relievers.

Jeff (NYC)

Sabathia or Lee?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

I'll go with Sabathia tonight. But really, nothing would surprise me.

James (Waterbury, CT)

Wade Davis or Chris Tillman? David Price or Brian Matusz? Jeremy Hellickson or Jake Arrieta?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Tillman. Very tempted to say Matusz, but I'll say Price. Hellickson.

Fred (Burnaby)

Holliday. Great player, or something less?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Good player.

Alon (Brooklyn, NY)

Ike Davis.... All Star, Solid Starter, or Platoon?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Solid regular.

Fred (Burnaby)

The Jays have ____ OFs in the system worth getting excited about now that Snider and Lind are up for good.

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Excited about? Zero.

Jason (CT)

Then would you then trade prospects for young MLB talent outside fantasy?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

I'd be much more cautious, because of the financial implications.

Chris (Seattle)

Ackley or Domonic Brown?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Ackley.

James (Waterbury, CT)

Davis or Freeman or Morrison in a battle of 1B NL east prospects

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Morrison.

Danny (Washington DC)

Lightning Round--better movie baseball player--Costner vs. Redford vs. Prinze Jr. (Summer Catch, tell me you've seen it--Capra-esque)?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

I did see "Summer Catch" . . . Costner, easily.

lou (southern cal)

dodgers or giants next year?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Dodgers.

John (Cincinnati)

Does Homer Bailey finally have it figured out?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Looks like it. He looks very good down the stretch, just what we always expected.

dave (vegas)

bumgarner or anderson

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

Brett Anderson.

Crazy (Bay Area)

wheeler or leake?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Zack Wheeler.

Leo (Duarte)

Manny in 2010. 30 homers?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

I'll take the under.

mike (ohio)

wallace a less power version of ryan braun?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Less power and less athleticism.

Phil (NJ)

David Ortiz 2010 - over/under 24 HR?

Jim Callis

  (3:01 PM)

I'll say over, but barely.

Ryan G (Westford, MA)

Since Jesus Montero will most likely not be a major league catcher, does Austin Romine project to be a starting catcher in the majors?

Jim Callis

  (3:02 PM)

Yes, I think he's New York's catcher of the future. Or at least the best in-house option to be that guy.

Jim Callis

  (3:02 PM)

I need to go eat lunch, finish editing the Phillies Top 10 and continue my IM discussion with Badler about how the guy from "Survivorman" is much tougher than his counterpart from "Man Vs. Wild." See you next week!