Jim Callis

  (2:01 PM)

Hi, everyone. The draft is on my mind, but the season is also underway, and everything if fair game. Fire away.

Nick (Crofton, MD)

I've previously heard that you can gauge a players speed by the amount of triples they hit (more so than doubles). Starlin Castro has 3 already. How many bases do you think Starlin will steal in his prime? 40-50 or more like the old reyes 60-70? Im guessing closer to 40ish? Oh and when does he get the call?

Jim Callis

  (2:04 PM)

That may be true, though your big lefthanded-hitting sluggers will also hit a few triples. Castro, by the wya, isn't nearly as fast as Jose Reyes. He's an average to slightly above-average runner and he won't be a big SB threat. You may see him in Chicago by midseason, especially if the Cubs aren't playing well.

James (San Diego)

What's up with Dustin Ackley? Is the move to 2B affecting his hitting?

Jim Callis

  (2:05 PM)

Perhaps, but I'm not going to worry about his bat. If his struggles continue, though, maybe they move him to the outfield or first base and just get the bat going.

Tyler (Harrodsburg, Ky)

How good of a prospect is Kevin Gausman? Is he a first round talent come this June?

Jim Callis

  (2:06 PM)

Definitely. Very fast arm, projectable, spins a breaking ball well--all the stuff scouts want to see.

Jim Callis

  (2:07 PM)

Just received word that BA's Conor Glassey will be starting a draft chat at 3 p.m., right when we wrap this up. So head over to http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1271871093 when we're done.

Bob ((So. Fla.))

Do you think Tim Tebow will be a successful NFL QB?

Jim Callis

  (2:07 PM)

Nope. Will be surprised if he's even as good as Alex Smith.

JAYPERS (IL)

What's the latest on Jacob Turner, Jim? All I was able to find was "forearm tightness". Have you heard anything more?

Jim Callis

  (2:08 PM)

That's all I've heard too. That's often a precursor to Tommy John surgery, but I haven't heard anything that indicates he's headed down that road. Not a good spring for Tigers arms with Casey Crosby also battling elbow problems.

JAYPERS (IL)

With Lucroy's promotion to Nashville, where does that leave Salome? Which of them do you see becoming Milwaukee's main catcher by this time next year?

Jim Callis

  (2:09 PM)

Back to Jaypers again . . . Salome isn't much of a prospect in my book. I don't think he's more than a backup. I'm also not the biggest Lucroy fan. I see him more as a decent regular but not anything special.

Zach (Wilton, CT)

Expectations for Ike Davis are way out of control aren't they? It's not like he was a truly elite prospect, now people are calling him the savior.

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

A New York prospect overhyped? Who would have thought? I see Davis as a solid regular, maybe he makes a couple of all-star teams over the years, but he's not going to lead the Mets to the promised land all by himself.

Matt (Chicago)

Do any of the Cubs' top SP prospects(Cashner, Jackson,Carpenter) have the type of ceiling to front a rotation?

Jim Callis

  (2:10 PM)

Cashner does, especially if he keeps pitching like he has to start this season.

RobG (UVA)

What are your thoughts on Jarrett Parker? It seems like his stock might be down a bit. Is he around in the middle of the 2nd round?

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

I think that's fair. He's hitting a soft .310 and striking out too much. He struggled mightily in the Cape Cod League too, so it's not like he has a strong summer to fall back on either.

Jason (Muskegon, MI)

could jennings be a .300/20/20 guy???

Jim Callis

  (2:12 PM)

Desmond? See him more as a potential .300/15/50 guy.

Ray A. (San Francisco, CA)

According to the Fresno Grizzlies twitter feed, Madison Bumgarner's fastball was sitting between 91-93 the whole night, and topped out at 94. Is this improvement something to be excited about?

Jim Callis

  (2:14 PM)

I didn't panic early when his velo dropped, and likewise, I'm not going to immediately think he's the Madison Bumgarner we know and love yet. Let's see if he holds that velocity. Encouraging sign, though.

David (Dallas)

Jim, would you replace Davis with Smoak and Harden with Holland today?

Jim Callis

  (2:14 PM)

Yes, yes I would.

Phil (Grand Rapids)

Jim - tell me a little bit about Jarred Cosart. Does he have Top 100 mobility?

Jim Callis

  (2:16 PM)

The first thing that always jumps to mind for me with Cosart--probably because I work on our Texas state list every year--is that he broke some of Jay Buhner's record for single-season batting average at Clear Creek HS in League City, Texas, batting .506 as a senior. He's obviously a pitcher now, and yes, he's a Top 100 type of guy. He flashes a mid-90s fastball and a plus curveball, and could be the Phillies' No. 1 prospect once Domonic Brown is promoted.

Mickael (Wilmington)

Eric Hosmer's stats so far have indicated that last year was maybe a fluke, do you see him keeping up with it? Earliest ETA considering how poor the Royals are?

Jim Callis

  (2:17 PM)

Not sure he'll hit .410 all year, but this looks more like the real Hosmer, or at least the Hosmer everyone raved about as the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2008. He had injury and vision problems last season, and maybe that was the culprit. Still probably a couple of years away, though.

HJC (Gaithersburg)

What do you think the variance is between the best teams ability to develop prospects and the worst teams?

Jim Callis

  (2:19 PM)

Don't know how to quantify this. A lot of it has to do with the talent that comes into a system--the best teams at development aren't going to make stars out of mediocre talent. But some teams are definitely better at nurturing talent than others.

Xavier (Lowell)

All of the talk of late has Jose Iglesias as the shortstop of the future for the Red Sox, but I am not sure he will hit enough to be an everyday player. Doesn't Oscar Tejeda have a higher ceiling as a hitter? Could he potentially be the answer at short for the Sox?

Jim Callis

  (2:20 PM)

I've talked to a lot of people about Iglesias, and everyone says he's a Gold Glove shortstop who will hit enough. Tejeda might have a higher ceiling at the plate, but he projects more as a third baseman in the big leagues.

Jason (St Louis)

What's your opinion on the Cards' catcher they just called up, Bryan Anderson?

Jim Callis

  (2:20 PM)

Backup type. Can hit for average but doesn't do anything else particularly well.

Mac (Philly)

What the story on Brandon Belt? Not much of a track record but the Giants think enough of him to start in A+ out of a small college. He's raked in the early small sample.

Jim Callis

  (2:22 PM)

Not sure he's going to hit for enough power to be a regular first baseman. Good defender, can hit for a solid average, but I don't see him as more than a 15-homer guy. Remember, he's in the Cal League, which helps his numbers. Incidentally, he was a better prospect as a pitcher coming out of high school, who generated some first-round buzz early in 2005.

Mark (Toledo)

Can you add your "amen" to the knowledge that it's way too early to have teams panicing about proven pros who are off to a slow start just 3 weeks into the season?

Jim Callis

  (2:23 PM)

I'll even give you an AMEN.

Dave Duncan (CA)

Jim, JJ Cooper, you, and I are Steeler fans. Would a top 10 draft pick be enough for Roethlisberger? And would they select with this pick, assuming it's not #1 pick from STL (Bradford)?

Jim Callis

  (2:25 PM)

I can't condone what Roethlisberger has done--it's disgusting. From a competitive standpoint, he's worth so much more than a top-10 draft pick. It's so hard to find a franchise QB, that I think the best course of action is to punish him (he's suspended for 4-6 games now) and give him one more chance. From a competitive standpoint, trading him would really damage the team. I think I'm taking all this a little better than J.J, and my family named our oldest golden retriever after Roethlisberger.

Andy (Niagra Falls)

Draft on your mind ... Any more word on what it'll take to sign Taillon? And where do you think he ends up when it's all said and done?

Jim Callis

  (2:27 PM)

Still a bit early to know on signability. I haven't heard any specific numbers, but it's fair to assume he might want something similar to what Tyler Matzek ($3.9 million bonus) or Jacob Turner ($5.5 million contract) got last August. I could see him going No. 3 to the Orioles or No. 4 to the Royals.

Bill (Baltimore)

It looks like the O's are going to make a play for the #1 pick in next year's Rule 4 draft. If that draft were held today, who would you pick?

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

Rice 3B Anthony Rendon.

Mike (Kentucky)

Is there anything beyond an injury between now and the draft that would make the Nats choose someone other than Harper?

Jim Callis

  (2:28 PM)

Besides an injury, maybe if they felt he'd be too difficult to sign. But Mike Rizzo's M.O. as a scouting director was to take the best guy and get a deal done. I think they'll take Harper.

Neal (Toronto)

any Canadian kids you are particularly high on in this years draft?

Jim Callis

  (2:29 PM)

C Kellin Deglan from Langley, B.C., is the top Canadian prospect.

Tim (A few blocks from Target Field)

What are your thoughts on Gopher RHP Seth Rosin In the draft ? Power arm (sits 92-93 / hits 95 and also leads the nation in walks per 9 IP. 2 walks and around 50 k's so far this season. Thank you

Jim Callis

  (2:31 PM)

Might be a tick high on that velocity. Rosin is an enigma somewhat. He's 6-7/245, has more velo than life on the fastball. He's probably better suited to be a reliever and would show more velo in that role. The size and the velo probably mean he goes in the top 3-5 rounds despite the lack of command.

Chel (Houston)

Is there anyone besides Taillon and Harper that the Astros can completly rule out from being available in the 8th spot of the draft as of now

Jim Callis

  (2:32 PM)

I actually don't think you can rule those guys out because it's conceivable they could have huge bonus demands and slide . . . in which case I don't see the Astros taking them. If they don't ask for the moon, I bet college pitchers (always coveted) like Mississippi's Drew Pomeranz and Georgia Tech's Deck McGuire won't make it to No. 8.

David (Dallas)

If Houston replaced Ed Wade with you, how would you go about rebuilding the team/system? Trade Lee, Oswalt, and Berkman?

Jim Callis

  (2:34 PM)

I'd do that to get some prospects. I'd take the payroll savings and give Bobby Heck $10 million-plus to play with in the draft, and I'd step up the club's international involvement. I'm not expecting that call from Drayton McLane, though.

Russ (Vancouver)

Do you have any view on Adeiny Hechavarria? When can we expect him at SS in Skydome?

Jim Callis

  (2:35 PM)

See the latest Ask BA at http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/ask-ba/2010/269843.html. And if you have good Ask BA questions, send them to askba@baseballamerica.com (with your full name and hometown).

Mike (DC)

Hey Jim-Matt Hobgood was brilliant last night, and has been very, very solid in Low-A this year...what have you heard about him this year and any chance Joe Jordan knew something lots of others didn't when he took him so high last year?

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

He's talented, but one of the main reasons he went No. 5 overall was that he would sign quickly for slot money. He was scouted heavily, and he's a big-bodied guy with a good arm who can pitch. Off to a great start and I like him, but he wasn't close to the fifth-best player in the 2009 draft.

Tyler (Harrodsburg, Ky)

Drew Pomeranz, Chris Sale or Anthony Ranaudo

Jim Callis

  (2:39 PM)

Until Ranaudo is 100 percent again, Pomeranz.

David (Dallas)

How would you feel about eliminating fake pickoffs to 2nd and 3rd (make them a balk) and expanding the strike zone as a method for speeding up the games?

Jim Callis

  (2:41 PM)

Fake pickoffs aren't really a time factor. Does anyone try more than one? Calling the rulebook strike zone would be fine with me. So would making batters stay in the box and pitchers deliver the ball within 20 seconds.

Terrence (NYC)

Did the real Mike Pelfrey just stand up?

Jim Callis

  (2:43 PM)

I don't think he'll maintain this 0.86 ERA, but he is pitching well. Is he throwing a splitter now? That might be what he needed, because he's never had a strong breaking ball.

brian (brooklyn)

It seems like most baseball people on the internet suggest throwing large sums of money into the draft as the best way to build a contender. Why is it that teams are so reluctant to take this approach? There are plenty of smart people working in front offices and yet, this approach which seems so obvious to non front office types, has never been used.

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Because they don't want to make MLB angry. This is obvious, and it's stupid not do so when the informal slotting system pushes players who want more money to the teams that will pay them. But the commissioner's office gets most of the owners to play along. Still waiting for MLB to explain why it's OK for the Reds to give Aroldis Chapman $30 million but not go over slot on their first-round pick.

Mile (Brooklyn)

To be fair about overhyping Ike Davis: when opening day first baseman you are replacing is Jacobs and you can kinda hit the ball and kinda field? it's hard NOT to look like second coming... i mean, the man got a walk yesterday.... he got on base!!! it's a pleasant change...

Jim Callis

  (2:44 PM)

Fair enough!

Zack (Maryland)

what do you make of chris tillman's early struggles in AAA?

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Too early to worry. Sometimes guys get disappointed they don't make the big league club and it affects their play. He'll be fine in the long run.

Jim Callis

  (2:45 PM)

Let's start the lightning round . . .

matt (mohegan sun CT)

Hi Jim - Lightning round - Does Grant Green stick at SS and does he comp a young Renteria?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Not certain he stays at shortstop, but I'll say yes for now. I don't love the Renteria comp--more power, less athletic.

eitheror (pa) [via mobile]

Anthony Hewitt sample size variance or actual improvement?

Jim Callis

  (2:46 PM)

Small sample size. Still striking out a lot.

Gray (Chicago)

Keep developing Andrew Cashner as a starter or call him up now to help in the bullpen?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Much more valuable as a starter.

Dillon (Pasadena)

Does Jesse Hahn fit in the first round and, if so, in the middle or back-end?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Yes, possibly in the middle.

Jim (Albany)

Long term who is better Domonic Brown or Desmond Jennings?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Jennings.

Ben (Detroit)

Lightning round...Mike Montgomery or Martin Perez?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Perez.

Jon (Philly)

Jared Cosart or Trevor May?

Jim Callis

  (2:47 PM)

Cosart.

Kevin (San Diego)

Lightning Round. Latos or Tillman?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Tillman.

Jason (Bmore)

Borbon or Action Jackson

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Borbon.

Greg (LA)

Is this the year that every team tells the Commish where to stuff it and drafts overslot, or will some teams still be slaves?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

Many slaves, as usual.

Dan (Tulsa)

Is there a big drop off coming for Jaime Garcia, or could he be as good as his first two starts indicate?

Jim Callis

  (2:48 PM)

I've always liked him. He could be a good No. 3 starter.

Johnny (NYC)

Speaking of guys sticking...Neftali Soto at catcher? Pipe dream?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Might work out. He's got enough arm and moves well enough.

Arin (Ca)

Tabata or Schafer?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Tabata.

Luis (Houston)

Hank Conger or Jason Castro, who would you take for your team if you had a team?

Jim Callis

  (2:49 PM)

Castro.

Zack (Maryland)

kentrail davis or randal grichuk

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Davis.

Brandon (Baton Rouge)

How high will Micah Gibbs, Leon Landry, and Blake Dean go in the draft? Possibly by Round 4?

Jim Callis

  (2:50 PM)

Gibbs in the first round. Landry probably a second rounder. Dean is harder to figure as a senior who can hit but is limited defensively. He's more of a 6th-10th rounder.

Arin (Ca)

Friedrich or Matzek?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Matzek.

Jon (Fairfax, VA)

Lars Anderson has got off to a pretty good start. Do you think keeps it up?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

You know I do . . .

Mendel (Fl)

NL EAST first basemen: Ike davis, Gaby, Morrison or Freeman?

Jim Callis

  (2:51 PM)

Logan Morrison.

Matt (Louisville)

Any interesting prospects you see coming from the University of Louisville this draft?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

The Cardinals have a talented, veteran team and could have as many as 12 players drafted. The first looks like RHP Thomas Royse, who could go as high as the second round.

Jeff (Ohio)

Cliff Lee trade pitchers: Carrasco or Aumont?

Jim Callis

  (2:52 PM)

Aumont.

Pete (Philly)

Jiwan James or Anthony Hewitt?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

James.

JAYPERS (IL)

Faster on the basepaths -- Mike Trout or Aaron Hicks?

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Trout.

rich (Louisville)

With the second pick the Pirates should take ? based on talent alone.

Jim Callis

  (2:53 PM)

Jameson Taillon.

Jason (St Louis)

Paxton or Taillon long term?

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Taillon.

Greg (St. Louis )

Grant Green or Starlin Castro

Jim Callis

  (2:54 PM)

Castro.

Larry (IN)

Do you got samardzdija going back to football

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Wouldn't surprise me if he eventually wants to try, but he was more of a possession guy than a blazer and he has to have lost at least have a step.

Mike (Kentucky)

Better SS prospect: Machado or Colon

Jim Callis

  (2:55 PM)

Machado.

Styles B (MPLS)

More likely to bounce back, Boof Bonser or Glen Perkins?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

Perkins.

Mike Foltynewicz (Minooka HS)

Will I be a 1st rounder?

Jim Callis

  (2:56 PM)

You have a chance if you keep pitching at 91-94 mph and touching some 96s.

Ulrik (Viborg, Denmark)

Nick Castellanos has only 3 walks all season, do you think it will scare away teams like Yankees and Red Sox?

Jim Callis

  (2:57 PM)

No . . . and he won't get to them in the draft anyway.

Tom (DC)

T/F Jim Callis will go see the A-Team movie in theaters?

Jim Callis

  (2:58 PM)

Considering that I can still name all four of the A-Team members, there's a good chance if the reviews are halfway decent. And if I can find the time--not so easy with four kids.

Dan (Ct)

Your thoughts on Jack going rogue?

Jim Callis

  (2:59 PM)

I continue to be slack in my "24" watching and have yet to watch Mondays episode. If he goes rogue and slaps some of the writers around, that's fine with me.

Avery (Walnut Creek)

Who puts out better combine numbers, Jim Callis or John Manual?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

I think I'd have better measurables than John. My bad back might be an issue, though.

KO (Pittsfield, MA)

Offense Only: Carlos Santana or Wieters?

Jim Callis

  (3:00 PM)

Wieters.

JayB (PA)

3 College hitters with the biggest upside? (no Juco)

Jim Callis

  (3:01 PM)

Upside: Zack Cox, Michael Choice, Bryce Brentz.

Jim Callis

  (3:02 PM)

I've got to run. Go visit Conor Glassey's draft chat at http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1271871093. And follow me on Twitter at jimcallisBA. See you next week.