Jim Callis

  (1:52 PM)

While we count down the minutes to the hockey trade deadline, let's get this chat started a little early this week.

Thomas (Texas)

How good is Clemens kid?

Jim Callis

  (1:54 PM)

Koby Clemens led the minors with 123 RBIs last year--thank you, Lancaster--but he's a fringe prospect. His chances would be better if he could catch at the big league level, but he'll have to be an outfielder. To Koby's credit, he has gotten much farther than almost any scout projected when the Astros made him a surprise eighth-round pick in 2005. He was drafted and signed mainly as an enticement to keep his father around for another season--and it worked--but Koby has hit his way to Double-A. I bet he has a long career as a coach if he wants it.

JinandZhen (Seoul)

long term. G Beckham, Ellsbury, Ackley, Stanton, montero, heyward. Please rank them...

Jim Callis

  (1:55 PM)

Heyward, Stanton, Montero, Beckham, Ackley, Ellsbury.

Joey (SC)

How good will Jason Heyward be for the Braves this season? I keep hearing good things.

Jim Callis

  (1:56 PM)

If they give him enough playing time, and it looks like he will, he should be Rookie of the Year.

Ray A. (San Diego, CA)

Jim, how come nobody on here ever talks about USD Outfielder James Meador? He was the WCC Player of the year last year and has a .483 AVG with 2 HR and 11 RBI through 7 games.

Jim Callis

  (1:58 PM)

He's a very good college player but doesn't profile great for pro ball. He's a 6-foot-1, 205-pound corner outfielder without the power pro clubs want at that position. He'll get a chance as a senior sign this year, though.

Nick (MD)

Jim what kind of player do you see Hak-ju Lee becoming? Do you think he has the potential to put up Jose Reyes numbers one day if he reaches his potential?

Jim Callis

  (1:59 PM)

I'm not saying Lee is definitely that good, but he has that kind of upside. He has plus-plus speed and the hitting/on-base ability to get on base and steal a lot of bases. He also should be a quality defender at shortstop.

Rick (NJ)

With the Mets in need of a real answer at 1B, is there any chance of seeing Ike Davis before September, and is he a legit answer for the Mets this year or next, or is he the new Alex Escobar?

Jim Callis

  (2:00 PM)

Yes. You could make an argument that he's their best first-base option right now, but Davis will probably see some Triple-A time. After not homering in his first 281 pro at-bats, he turned things around quickly.

Ben (Leland Grove)

So what's the latest you're hearing on Strasburg's likely starting destination? Apparantly Riggleman isn't ruling out the possibility of letting him start his career in the Show, according to MLB.com.

Jim Callis

  (2:02 PM)

I just wrote a column about Strasburg for our upcoming issue. There's no incentive to have him start the year in the majors. The smart play would be to keep him down long enough to delay his free agency and arbitration eligibility for a year, which means calling him up at the end of May. I'll bet he starts his career in the warmer climates of low Class A Hagerstown or high Class A Potomac as opposed to colder Double-A Harrisburg or Triple-A Syracuse.

Chris (Fort Wayne, IN)

Jim, appreciate all the great info. I'm curious about Carlos Gonzalez. Was his 2nd half a little flukish, or has he finally made good on all hype a few years later than we thought? What are reasonable expectations for a full season in 2010? thanks!

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

I don't think he's going to be a .320/.384/.608 player like he was in the second half, but he is a talented player. But he can be at least a .275/.330/.475 player, if not more. I think he'll be at least a solid regular.

Steve (Middletown, CT)

Hey Jim hopefully you could settle a debate me and my friend were having the other day. We were discussing the top 5 positional players in baseball and trying to come up with a definitive list. We got to 4 we felt comfortable with but were having a hard time coming up with a solid 5th. 1.) Pujols 2.) Mauer 3.) HanRam 4.) Utley who do you think fits into the number 5 spot? Longoria, ARod someone else? Does that top 4 mirror your rankings?

Jim Callis

  (2:05 PM)

Hmmmm. That order looks pretty good to me. I'd go Longoria, though I could see Justin Upton working his way into that top five in the near future.

Ryan (Austin)

There's an article on ESPN about a female knuckleballer who is playing in an independent league in Japan and working with Tim Wakefield. Since the pitch isn't predicated on arm speed, is it conceivable that a woman could throw a knuckleball well enough to play in the big leagues?

Jim Callis

  (2:06 PM)

Yes, it's conceivable. If you think about it, which I haven't much, becoming a knuckleballer seems like the easiest path for a woman to make the majors. I may have to get my daughters working on knuckleballs.

Michael (Toronto)

Baseball 101 question. I often read people talk about an infielder's *soft hands*. What exactly is meant by that?

Jim Callis

  (2:06 PM)

That he catches the ball easily and reliably.

Andrew (Middlebury, VT)

Why in your mind, does Strasburg unanimously favor more comparably than Porcello? Everybody talks about Strasburg's unlimited upside, but c'mon doesn't Porcello have a similar upside? Winning 14 games as a 20 year old, while having your team withhold your slider and 4 seamer is unbelievably impressive

Jim Callis

  (2:07 PM)

Strasburg's stuff is demonstrably better than Porcello's, that's why. Strasburg has a better fastball, a better breaking ball and better command--which is saying something, because Porcello is pretty good.

Roger (Chicago)

Where kind of roll do you see Tazawa having for the Red Sox now and into the future?

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

The Red Sox are deep enough in starter candidates, that I bet Tazawa becomes a good multi-inning reliever for them.

Scott (Fayetteville, AR)

What are your thoughts on the 3 Hog players expected to go in the draft after the season? Cox seems to be the best prospect, but Wilkins has been the most productive so far

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

Zack Cox has the ability to go in the first round if he builds on his Cape Cod League performances last summer. He's a draft-eligible sophomore, so signability will be a factor. Brett Eibner is the best two-way talent in this year's draft, a legitimate early pick as a pitcher or outfielder, though he's raw in both regards. Andy Wilkins is the third-best prospect of the group, but he has some of the best power in college baseball and could go in the first three rounds.

chris (seattle)

will dustin ackley make it to the majors this season? what do you expect from him?

Jim Callis

  (2:11 PM)

I think he'll win batting titles in the future, but I bet he spends all or most of the year in the minors working on his defense and finding a position. He has the athleticism to play in several places, and the Mariners just need to figure out where they want him. If they left him at first base, he'd be up very quickly.

craig (new york)

will jesus montero make it to the majors this year? where do you think he hits in the yankee lineup in the next three years?

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

I think he will for the last couple of months of the season. I bet he sees time at DH and backing up Posada at catcher, playing about two out of three games once he calls up. They won't need to put him in the middle of their order immediately, but he's their No. 3 hitter of the future.

Ted (Houston, TX)

I was suprised how many catchers were in the BA Top 100 compared to how many great catchers there is in the majors. Is this because BA overvalues catchers as hitters or is it a catcher revolution?

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

I don't think we overvalue catchers--teams are always looking for catchers. There's just more catching talent than usual in the minors right now.

Kevin (Hollywood, CA)

What do you think of Trayvon Robinson. He had a surprising year in AA last season. What do his future numbers profile as? Is he comparable to Aaron Hicks?

Jim Callis

  (2:13 PM)

Robinson is a tremendous athlete, though Hicks was much more polished at the same age. I like Robinson some, but would like to see him have success outside of the hitter-friendly Cal League.

Brian (Amherst, MA)

Hi Jim, What can you tell me, if anything, about Kevin Ziomek from Amherst, MA. I know he has a scholarship to Vanderbilt, but there are rumors of him being selected in the draft. He's a former student of mine!

Jim Callis

  (2:15 PM)

Ziomek is No. 27 on our preseason High School Top 100 list. He's a polished lefty with good feel for his secondary pitches.

Ollie (Chicago)

Over under MLB 300 AB's for Todd Frazier in 2010?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

Under, because there's no obvious opening for him. But once the Reds get him in their lineup, he'll be there for a while.

Joe (Florida)

Mets, Where do see them finishing the season at? Wild card?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

Fourth in the NL West.

Bill (Washington, DC)

Jim, do you think Austin Jackson is ready to be an every day player for the Tigers this season? As a Tigers fan, how excited should I be about him?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

I'm not the biggest Jackson fan. He's talented, but I also he got overhyped because he was in the Yankees system. I see him as a solid regular and could see him taking time to adjust to the majors. I don't think he'll be a better player than Granderson in the long run.

Bart (Boston, MA)

I know that most teams hype their prospects, but it has been reported that the Sox scouting director claims that Luis Exposito has the best righthanded power in the Sox minor leagues. Is he a legitimate major league, power hitting, catcher prospect or is this a commentary on the lack of righthanded Sox minor league power?

Jim Callis

  (2:19 PM)

I think it was a different club official who said that . . . To put that comment in context, most of the Red Sox' top hitting prospects bat lefthanded. Exposito does have plus power, though scouts have concern about his long swing and aggressive approach. He has the tools to be a solid catcher but needs more polish. He's a legitimate prospect but not an elite guy.

Tom (Owings, MD)

Do you have any indiciation how serious Ranaudo's injury is? I think he is probably Harper's only competition to go first in the draft. What do you think would be the time table for each? Does Harper have to move off catcher?

Jim Callis

  (2:22 PM)

All we know now is that Anthony Ranaudo has elbow discomfort that has been classified as a stress reaction and no ligament damage. We don't know how serious this will be. I don't think he's Harper's only competition, because Bryce Harper is not the slam dunk No. 1 that Strasburg was a year ago amd because Harper's signability and leverage could become major issues. Right now, his main competition is The Woodlands (Texas) HS RHP Jameson Taillon.

Jason (St Louis)

Lincecum for Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar and a couple AA typtes. Who hangs up first? Lincecum will be affordable for a couple years and everyone seems to think he's going to break down sooner than later so I think it would work for both sides.

Jim Callis

  (2:23 PM)

The Giants hang up immediately. Gamel's stock has dropped, so you'd be dealing the reigning two-time NL Cy Young Award winner for one elite prospect and three decent guys? No thanks.

Scott (Lincolnshire, IL)

Very high-level question here: Are you guys right in your evaluations? What's the process of verifying your projections/rankings are correct? Starlin Castro for President!

Jim Callis

  (2:24 PM)

Our rankings are archived at baseballamerica.com, so go take a look. On multiple occasions, outside sources have evaluated our prospect, farm system and draft rankings, and they always come to the conclusion that we're doing well. We're always going to have guys we miss on--just like teams do as well.

chris h (louisville)

a.) Odds Aroldis Chapman claims 5th spot for start of 2010 in Cincy?b.) Odds Aroldis Chapman becomes an effective mlb starter in2010?c.) Odds Aroldis Chapman develops into a # 1 at some point in hid career?

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

I'm a little less optimistic about Chapman than most. He has a great arm but needs refinement and didn't even dominate in Cuba's league. I'd be surprised if he made the Opening Day roster, and I don't think he'll make a major impact in 2010. I'll take the under on him developing into a No. 1 starter, too--I think he's more thrower than pitcher. I think it's more likely he becomes a star closer.

Sam (Arlington, TX)

Hey Jim, the Ranger's 1st baseman on June 1 will be Davis por Smoak?

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

Smoak.

Brian (Westlake,CA)

What do you think of Austin Wilson? Will he go early in the Draft? Will he sign?

Jim Callis

  (2:26 PM)

Very talented athlete, some question on the bat. Teams are worried that he may be impossible to sign away from Stanford, so he could slide.

chris h (louisville)

Yonder Alonso for Reid Brignac? Make Sense? Who wins?

Jim Callis

  (2:27 PM)

That deal would help both teams in using surplus to shore up a weakness. I think Brignac would mean more to the Reds than Alonso would to the Rays.

Tyler (Harrodsburg, Ky (FCB))

Jim, if Gerrit Cole were draft elibable, who would you take? Jameson Taillon, Anthony Ranaudo, or Gerrit Cole?

Jim Callis

  (2:27 PM)

Cole.

Jason (St Louis)

If Shelby Miller can develop a couple secondary pitches, any chance we see him up at age 20, a la Rick Porcello?

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

He's not as far along as Porcello was at a similar stage, so I don't think that's realistic. An early ETA for Miller would be 2012, not 2011.

JD (DC)

Hagerstown ain't any warmer than Harrisburg, Jim.

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

Well, maybe a couple of degrees.

David (Indianapolis, IN)

Out of all the pitchers drafted in the 2009 amateur draft, which three have the greatest upside (not including Strausberg)? How would you order them in terms of potential?

Jim Callis

  (2:30 PM)

Tyler Matzek, Jacob Turner, Shelby Miller.

Garrett (Saint Louis, MO)

Jim -- what are your thoughts on a few guys I saw in West Palm Beach a few years back: Logan Morrison for the Marlins and Colby Rasmus for St. Louis? Is Colby a future star or is he more Mike Cameron? Does Logan Morrison win the 1B job for Florida this year and if so, what is his future?

Jim Callis

  (2:31 PM)

They'll both be all-stars.

Bobby Cox (Atlanta)

Back to Heyward for a sec. Chris Coghlan ROY good...or Evan Longoria ROY good?

Jim Callis

  (2:31 PM)

Longoria good.

Luis (PR)

On bat alone, is Montero the best prospect out there?

Jim Callis

  (2:31 PM)

Heyward is the best in terms of combining hitting for average and power. Montero is right there with him.

Jon (DC)

How did Jason Heyward slip through the draft cracks all the way to Atlanta?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

It didn't make a lot of sense at the time. But he has such a patient eye at the plate and was pitched around so much in HS that a lot of scouting directors who went in to see him didn't get a great look at what he can do. And when they're taking a guy that high in the draft, they want to know (rather than believe) that he can rake. The Braves, who had watched Heyward for years at the East Cobb complex, were the beneficiaries and stole him at No. 14. The team that should have taken him was the Pirates, who passed on Matt Wieters because of his price tag. Scouting director Ed Creech lived in Georgia and the Pirates needed an impact bat, but they took Daniel Moskos. Ouch.

Rick (Boston)

Hi Jim,What do you think of Upton's extension? It looks to be in line with other young stars with similar service time, which seems just a little light for a talent that is elite even among stars.

Jim Callis

  (2:35 PM)

He might have gotten more if he waited longer or waited year to year, but now he's more than set for the rest of his life. It's hard to put a price tag on that kind of security.

Wade (Tampa)

Wade Davis or Niemann?

Jim Callis

  (2:36 PM)

Davis.

George (Philadelphia)

Matsuz, Latos, or Wade Davis now and going forward?

Jim Callis

  (2:36 PM)

Matusz.

Rob (Wilkes-Barre)

The 2008 draft will be known for 1st Baseman, the 2009 draft will be known for pitching, the 2010 draft will be known for its...

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

Pitching.

Kevin (San Diego)

Jim, why all the talk of AGon going to the White Sox? They don't have the juice, especially if they won't move Beckham. The Pads already cleaned their system out with the Peavy trade (and it was close to bare to begin with). Why are all the yahoos even giving this consideration?

Jim Callis

  (2:37 PM)

Because you need stories to write about in spring training, and the Chicago media has reported that Jake Peavy is lobbying for Gonzalez. The White Sox don't have the ammunition to get Gonzalez unless they include Beckham, and that wouldn't make financial sense.

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

OK . . . Let's try something different. Let's see if I can answer a lightning round question for each team in the next 20 minutes . . .

Baron (Large, PA)

Lightning Round: SMarte or RGrossman? DParker or JRice? Thanks

Jim Callis

  (2:40 PM)

Marte. Rice. That's a Pirates question.

RJ (DC)

Tillman or Matusz, where would Tillman rank were he still eligibile on the top 100?

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Matusz over Tillman. Tillman would rank in the 11-20 range on the Top 100 for me.

Jason (St Louis)

Who has a better chance of sticking as a starter, Chapman or Neftali Feliz? They both bring the heat.

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Feliz. That's a Rangers question.

Jeff (Augusta)

Jim, Big fan of yours. Better career as a closer: Storen or Aumont?

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Thanks, Jeff. Storen. That's the Nationals question.

Tom (Owings, MD)

Bergesen or Happ?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Happ. That's our Phillies question.

Jason (St Louis)

The Astros over under on wins at 75, which way do you go?

Jim Callis

  (2:42 PM)

Under.

Ben (Leland Grove)

Will Michael Taylor make the team?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Taylor will start the year in the minors and join the A's at midseason.

sean (boston)

over/under on jose iglesias career value: adam everett clone

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

Over. He'll hit better.

Jason (St Louis)

The Tigers will be in contention past August, Y or N?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Yes. No one will run away in the AL Central, though I expect the Twins to win.

Eric (brewerscubs.com)

More likely to stick at their current infield position: Gamel or Lawrie?

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Lawrie.

Doug (NYC)

Best hitter comp. for Montero: Big Hurt, Cabrera, or other (who?)

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Miguel Cabrera.

Jason (Atlanta)

Where would Travis Snider rank if he was still eligible for the BA Top 100? is he still a future star?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

In the 11-20 range. Still think he'll be a star.

chris (alabama)

In 10 years: JUpton or Heyward?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

In 10 years, Heyward. That's our Braves question.

Jeremy Hellickson (ST)

My ETA will be when?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

June.

Dave (San Diego)

Matt Latos or Jake Peavy circa 2002?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Peavy.

Carl (SD)

Simon Castro for Wilson Ramos? (Assume Twins sign Mauer) Fair deal for both sides?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Fair deal for both sides. Just did a Padres question, so we'll call this our Twins question.

Jason (Atlanta)

Is Andre Ethier in line to surpass your expectations of him in his prospect years?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

He already has. I didn't think he'd be this good.

John (Florida)

What is Chad James ceiling, #2?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

No. 2 is a reasonable hope. He has the potential for three plus pitches, so his ceiling is as a No. 1.

John (Chicago)

Cashner in the pen this year, or should the Cubs hold out and continue to groom as a starter?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

I think he's going to be a closer in the long run. The Cubs could call him up as a reliever this year, though, and try to make him as starter again next year, like they've done with Jeff Samardzija.

Nick (Cleveland)

Do we have an All Star starter out of Hagadone, White, Knapp, or Carrasco?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Maybe if Knapp stays healthy. There's a good chance Hagadone and White wind up in the bullpen, and I don't like Carrasco.

Jason (St Louis)

Any chance the Rockies take the West this year?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Why not? They won 92 games last year.

Ted (Houston, TX)

Daniel Hudson, how good can he be?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

I think he's more of a No. 4 or 5 starter than frontline guy.

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

I think I've handled everyone but the Royals, Angels, Mariners, Mets, Reds, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Giants so far.

Jason (Bmore)

Does Michael Saunders stay in the bigs coming out of spring training?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Unless there's an injury to create an opening for him, I bet he spends at least a month in Triple-A.

John (Burlington, Ky)

Todd Frazier...all star or above average regular?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Those are kind of the same thing, aren't they. I don't think he'll be a perennial all-star, but my gut says he will be an above-average player with a couple of all-star appearances.

Dwight (Scranton)

Alex Gordon, breakout year or is he a bust?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

He's not a bust but I don't think he'll be the superstar we all projected. I think he'll have the best year of his career so far in 2010, but I think he's going to more of a Pat Burrell than an Evan Longoria.

Lars (NY)

Will Bumgarner stay in the majors all year? Is his loss of velocity a concern? Giants question!

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Wouldn't be surprised if they try to give him some minor league time, because he's young and they just took a huge hit with Lincecum's early arbitration. I'm not worried about his velo.

chris (alabama)

do you see fabio martinez breaking out this year and jumping on to the top 100 list for 2011?

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Yes.

JAYPERS (IL)

Which Cardinals' prospect has the most helium?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Eduardo Sanchez.

Mike (NY )

Over or under 12 wins for John Niese this yr?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Under. I like him some, but not too many rookies win 12 games.

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

Where's my Diamondbacks question?

Shane (Knoxville)

I'm really liking the J Upton signing... who should the D-backs lock up next: Miguel Montero or Mark Reynolds? Is it too early to give up on Chris Young?

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

Reynolds over Montero. Too early to give up on Young.

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

That's all 30 clubs! Now for a few more.

Travis (Chicago)

What was Shawon Dunston's arm on the 80 scale?

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

An 85 if you could go that high. Some scouts say it's the best infield arm they've ever seen.

Jason (Tradeline Special)

Crosby or Ovechkin?

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

Ovechkin.

chris (alabama)

will the dbacks regret dealing scherzer?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

I didn't like that trade from Arizona's standpoint, so yes.

Ted (Houston)

Will Kenny Williams regret trading Brandon Allen?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Might regret it a little but I don't think it will haunt him.

scott (seattle)

stephen drew - more of the same or step forward in 2010?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Step forward.

Matthew (Chicago)

Tate or Heathcott(sp)?

Jim Callis

  (3:01 PM)

Tate is the obvious answer, but my gut says Heathcott.

Jim Callis

  (3:02 PM)

That's it for this week, see you next Wednesday.