Klaw

  (1:01 PM)

Got a mozzarella/prosciutto sandwich from Lombardi's here in Matawan, NJ, so I'm armed and ready for a strong chat.

Dan (Des Moines)

Klaw who would you rather have for their career Posey or Wieters?

Chris (NYC)

Keith, I'll be interested to hear your take on Warren and eventually Brackman if he pitches in the series, but have you seen enough from Nova to think he can be a 5th starter for the Yankees next yr?

Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

As much as I love Posey, I'm sticking with Wieters.

Klaw

  (1:03 PM)

Ah, chat software weirdness, 2 minutes in. Great. I'll see Warren tonight but not Brackman - I've got Lakewood Friday night and we're leaving NJ on Saturday. I do think Nova can be a 5 for the Yanks next year, but I don't think there's that much more beyond that. Still a useful guy to have.

Pete (Cincy, OH)

Mr. Klaw- Will you be updating our Top 25 Prospects any time soon?

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

Probably not, for fear of preempting the offseason top 100 entirely.

Ben (Leland Grove)

Likelihood of Harper playing in the AFL?

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

I think it's better than 50%.

Tim (STL)

Klaw, When I hear people dismiss sabermetrics because of the "Pitcher's Wins" debate, I feel like the two sides are arguing two different things. I think people who disagree are thinking the argument is that TEAM wins aren't important, and are missing the real point: Everyone agrees that wins are most important, but the effect a pitcher has on his team's win total is not as great as some would assume, and therefore is not an effective tool to assess a pitcher's value. Thoughts?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

That's accurate. I don't know anyone who says team wins aren't important, but conflating pitcher wins and team wins is counterproductive.

Jack (SF)

Which is a more bone headed move: Bruce Bochy playing Guillen over Ross when they are almost identical with the bat, but Ross is much stronger in the field and on the basepaths, or Sabean bothering with Guillen in the first place.

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

Sabean's move. If you give your manager a player with MLB experience, he's probably going to use him. If you don't want the manager to use the guy, don't acquire him.

Jason (St Louis)

As much as I know you are on the side of Rasmus being upset with TLR about his playing time, isn't it a little childish that two years in a row he's asked for a trade? He hasn't done enough to try and put himself before the team. Doesn't that say something negative about his character?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

Yes, it's absolutely damning that Rasmus wants to play every day. The nerve on that kid.

Matt (NO, LA)

Silly ROY stuff aside, what are your thoughts on Neil Walker? Is this his ceiling, or do you think the Bucs may have stumbled onto a legitimate player, despite their efforts to bury him?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

I think this is his ceiling - and where does he play? Can't play third. Can't really play second. Bat likely won't profile in an outfield corner. I'm not sure where to put him.

Joe (Philadelphia)

I had to google what conflating meant.

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

Just trying to embiggen your vocabulary.

Tony Larussa (STL)

Please tell me I will not be back next year. I've overstayed my welcome by 2 or 3 years already.

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

I wish I could tell you that. I think the idea that they have to keep TLR to keep Pujols is absurd. Pujols' future is all about money.

Jon (DC)

I thought the AFL rosters were out and no Harper to be found? Are the rules that each team only gets one player below AA? If so, isn't Norris locked in?

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

Players are subbed in and out all the time, due to injuries, team plans changing, etc. Harper could arrive in week 2 or 3.

Ryan (Milwaukee)

The Brewers should just stick with Jeffress in the pen and hope he keeps his lungs clean long enough to get some use out of him there, right? Does he have any chance to start successfully in MLB?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

I think he's a reliever long term, but the Brewers have so many guys like that in their system that I think they have to let him (and their other pitching prospects) start and see who sinks and who swims. You can't consign them all straight to the pen.

Joel (Pacific NW)

I see the Mariners going after Prince Fielder this off-season because of Jack Z's previous connection to Milwaukee. Would Smoak and Pineda for Fielder (with a negotiating window for extension) get it done?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Let's see if Zduriencik is still the GM in Seattle by the time we reach the hot stove season.

Tom (ATL)

How many Braves have a chance to make your top 100? Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado, Freddie Freeman, Mike Minor, Craig Kimbrel, Arodys Vizcaino?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Delete Kimbrel - I rarely have pure relievers on there - and that's probably your list.

Scott (SD)

I'm bored at work so I'm gonna fire you some odd questions. Who's hotter? Friends Season 2 Rachel or Friends Season 9 Rachel?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Season 2.

John (St. Louis)

Pujols' future is not all about money, you're absolutely wrong about that . . . He isn't a greedy person

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

Right. That's why, after the Cardinals overpaid him by a factor of 2.5 for his last pre-arbitration year, he cut them absolutely no discount on the long-term deal, and made a stink about how they had to give him that deal or he'd go year-to-year and leave as a free agent. (I'm not criticizing that stance. Just pointing out that he, like just about every other human being in history, has an inherently greedy streak.)

Jay (South Riding, VA)

So what do you do with Adam Dunn if you're Mike Rizzo? No way I'd give him a 4 year deal but it will cost them ticket sales with those fans obsessed with long home runs. They can't afford to lose sales with Strasburg already gone for 2011.

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

I keep hearing they don't actually want him back - they want the picks. I wouldn't give Dunn four years, for the same reason I wouldn't have given Howard 5 years: That type of player ages poorly.

Adam (San Francisco)

What do you make of Carlos Gonzalez and his home/road splits?

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

I'm of two minds. On the one hand, most Rockies hitters have some kind of significant split, and I have never believed in the idea that you can just double a player's road stats to get his "true" talent level. And Gonzalez is legitimately talented. On the other hand, the guy always had trouble with breaking stuff, and stuff don't break at Coors the way it does (do?) at sea level. He's in a home park that neutralizes the very pitches that give him the most trouble, and if he was in San Diego this year, he wouldn't be close to this level of performance.

Anthony (NYC)

Are Baneulos, Brackman and Betances legit prospects? As Yankee fans are we allowed to be excited for the future of the rotation or are we over hyping our prospects again?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

I think there's some overhyping going on, especially after what I saw from Betances last night, but they are still legit prospects and that's the most pitching depth there's been in the Yanks' system in a very long time. Damon Oppenheimer is getting some interest for GM gigs for good reason.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will win the AL & the NL Rookie of the Year?

Klaw

  (1:23 PM)

Will win: Austin Jackson, Jason Heyward. Should win: Heyward or Posey would both be solid choices in the NL, but the AL ... I might vote for Matusz.

Mike (Seattle)

So who is your Cy Young winner thus far this year Keith?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

I would vote for Felix and Halladay.

John (Cincy)

Do you think Volquez has a chance at a late ROY surge?

Klaw

  (1:25 PM)

/obvious

Bob (NY)

What did you from Betances last night? I only saw the final score so assumed he pitched well.

Klaw

  (1:25 PM)

Betances & Drabek writeup is here for Insiders: http://klaw.me/bl7a9n Betances showed arm strength but had below-average command and no feel for a breaking ball.

Jason (St Louis)

Which way are you leaning on NL MOY? I don't see how anyone but Bud Black could win. The Reds are doing well inspite of Dusty, not because of him. No one saw the Pads coming.

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

I won't say who I'm voting for until the award is announced, but it has occurred to me that several of the best-performing teams have had managers hurt them in the standings through bad in-game tactics or poor player usage.

Ricky (Long Island)

How come we havent heard Gary Carter name mention as a possiable manager for the Mets? Thanks

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

Ask him. I'm sure he'd mention his name a few times.

Mikey (NY)

Did you even watch last night's Trenton game? It's obvious you just don't like Yankees prospects based on that writeup because Dellin outperformed Drabek at every level of the minors and outperformed him last night

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

Yes, I was there. Apparently you weren't, since you're just going off stat lines.

Eric (PA)

How can the same team (The Phillies) have a pitcher with one of the highest run support rankings (Blanton) and one of the Lowest (Hamels)??? It makes no sense to me.

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

Says a lot about the run support stat, doesn't it?

Tom (Windsor, On)

True or False....We will only see Drabek in a Jays uniform next year if they have a legit shot at a playoff spot.

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

That fastball/curveball combo would get big league hitters out right now, at least once through a lineup. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him spend a few months in Toronto in '11.

George (Boston)

If you're the GM of a team that is a playoff contender around draft time and you think you might need reliever help, would you consider drafting a polished but low upside college reliever to hopefully contribute that year ... or is it not worth passing on a longer-term higher ceiling prospect? Thanks.

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Wouldn't do it in the first round, but I'd consider it after that. I thought Kevin Munson, who went in the 4th round, could be that kind of guy for someone this year.

Bob (Seattle)

Zach Stewart - a potential 3/4 or reliever?

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Ask me tomorrow - I'm seeing him tonight.

John (MN)

Why does Liriano get no mention in the AL CY Young race? He has a better K/9, K/BB and HR/9 rates than Felix and leads all starters in FIP and xFIP. His ERA is high due to a combination of bad luck and terrible range in the Twin's corner infielders.

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

He's been outstanding, but Felix has thrown 47 more innings. There's value in that too.

Pete (Salisbury, MD)

There doesn't seem to be a clear cut AL ROY, agreed?

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

Agreed. This would have been easier if Carlos Santana hadn't suffered from ROYtus interruptus last month.

Steve (NYC)

Keith, did you ever get a chance to scout Jason Neighborgall? If so, what would you compare it to? Seeing a unicorn? Yeti? Hippogriff?

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

Saw him on the Cape in '03. Hit 98 a few times, wasn't as wild as you'd expect from his pro stat lines. It wasn't like seeing Steve Dalkowski.

Andrew (NoVA)

Is Dan Klein the type of reliever who could jump to the majors quickly - and is that a pretty strong pick in the 3rd round, then?

Klaw

  (1:33 PM)

If they don't start him. He has the repertoire but not the history.

Dave (NYC)

Keith, Which players are you most interested in seeing at Lakewood tomorrow night?

Klaw

  (1:33 PM)

Colvin and Singleton are at the top of my list, but it's a pretty loaded roster.

Andrew (NC)

Keith- USA Pan-Am games roster was released today. Several great prospects. Any chance you make it to Cary to see some of these guys?

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

No, not really worth the trip for me, especially not at that time of year with instructs going on and the playoffs about to start. Six Royals on that club is pretty impressive for KC.

Clay (Charlotte)

Pure curiosity, why does it seem like no one throws the screwball anymore?

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

A pervasive belief within the game that it leads to injury. My take has always been this: If you've got a minor league pitcher you're about to release because he lacks an out pitch, why not offer him the Faustian bargain of the screwball? "You might get to the big leagues for a few years, but odds are you'll eventually blow out your arm." You think pitchers would turn that down? Hell no.

Jason (PHX)

Do you think Daniel Hudson's 2nd half shows he can be a #1 or #2, or is it mostly luck? His BABIP has been low, but it varied in the minors. Thanks, Keith.

Klaw

  (1:36 PM)

Mostly luck, with a dash of weak competition and facing some hitters who haven't seen his arm slot before.

BD (DC)

KLaw,There seems to be a ton of hysteria in the local media that Strasburg's new changeup has somehow caused his injury? You buying any of that? (great simpsons reference by the way)

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

No. I'm sticking with my original theory about guys who gain too much velocity too quickly. And that's not a criticism - I'd still take Strasburg or any guy like him in my system, with the top pick in the draft, in trade, whatever. There's just some risk with these guys that we can't (yet?) properly quantify.

Jim (Scranton, PA)

You have to do another chat w/ the Fangraphs guys.

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

I'm up for it. And they have a standing offer from me on a podcast - we tried this summer but technical problems intervened.

Eric (DC)

I get the argument about Dunn not aging well, but 4/55 mil is a lot less than what Howard got.

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

Forgive the tangent, but I love how the Phillies just backed up the truck for Howard two years before they had to, and yet still give Marti Wolever and his amateur scouting staff one of the smallest budgets for signing players every year. Where does ownership think all these good teenage prospects come from? How did they get Halladay and Oswalt? Oh, yeah, by trading the guys Wolever and his team drafted. They've done a great job the last three years, especially finding later values like Singleton and Cosart.

Mark (Cstat)

Can I get a book recommendation from your klaw100? My 2 favorite books are the Count of Monte Cristo and Catcher in the Rye. Suggestion?

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

I hated Catcher in the Rye - twice - so I'm not sure I'm the ideal person to ask. If you liked CoMC, try The Three Musketeers, The Woman in White, or The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Tony (NJ)

Hey Keith, nice talking to you at the Drabek vs Betances game last night. How would you rank Betances, Banuelos, Brackman in terms of a)ceiling and b)probability of reaching it?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

Likewise. Thanks for stopping by (several of you did and I always appreciate it). Betances still has the highest ceiling, but there's a lot of distance between his present skill set and that ceiling. Banuelos feels like the safest bet right now. I was talking to Mike Ashmore last night (@mashmore98 on Twitter, a must-follow if you're into Yankees prospects), and he mentioned that Brackman's velo is at least a full grade below where it was pre-surgery, and given how much time has passed I'm not sure I can tell you confidently that it's going to come back.

Zack (CT)

People have been pointing to Strasburg as proof that pitch counts don't work. But isn't the point that EVERY pitcher has a risk of an arm injury- but keeping a kid in for 150 pitches, 220+ IP just unnecessarily increases that risk?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

Yes. I'd say 90% or more of professional pitchers have significant injury risk just from the act of pitching. Probably more. The exceptions are the guys like Maddux, Buehrle, Livan who are just playing catch. And who knows - maybe even they have some arm injury risk I'm understating.

nucchemist (Lancaster, PA)

Can you contribute Betances's command issues to lack of in game experience due to his extensive injury history? Should Yankees fans not get too excited over the impressive stats he is putting up this year?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

Just be realistic. He's had a great year, but good control vs A-ball hitters is not the same as good command against big-league hitters.

Tyler (BG)

Would you vote Pete Rose into the hall? Kind of ridiculous it's even taken this long.

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

No.

Lane (Austin)

What do you see as Freddie Freeman's average peak season? Would you rather have Freeman or Logan Morrison?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

Morrison. Much more OBP ability and slightly more power potential.

Joe (Bos)

Do you trade Pap and go with Bard next year? What could you get for Pap?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

That will be a limited trade market given Papelbon's potential arbitration salary.

Andrew (NC)

How much does Moustakas' inability to hit lefties in AAA and less than average walk rate concern you?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

A lot.

Jim (Phoenix)

Ian Kennedy believer now?

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

No. Taterrific as predicted.

Sherriff Joe (Arizona)

Welcome to Arizona! I'd like to see your papers.

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

I'm going to rock a fake accent and start jaywalking when I come to your neighborhood.

Rene (DC)

Hey Klaw! You mentioned earlier your opnion on N. Walker. Do you not think his defense can improve over time at 2nd base? Would the Cards take Hanrahan, Owens and Walker for a disgruntled Colby Rasmus?

Klaw

  (1:52 PM)

I don't think he has the feet or agility to improve. Defense does improve with reps and coaching for many players, but the players do have to have the requisite physical ability. I don't think Walker does. Then again, Rickie Weeks does, and he's still not good there, so sometimes tools just ain't enough.

Oscar (Los Angeles)

Keith, thoughts on the McCourt's divorce proceeding? How could MLB allow them to buy the team knowing their limited financial resources?

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

The bigger question is how long till MLB pushes them to sell. It's the best outcome for everyone.

Lewis (WA)

Oh, that suprised me. I thought you generally go with peoples on field accomplishments in hall of fame, awards type of issues. Can you expound on your reasoning? I would be interested in the case of Pete Rose.Thanks

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

He broke the most important rule in the books, the one that separates baseball from professional wrestling. No way he deserves the game's highest honor.

Jeff (Indianapolis)

Hey Keith, I just picked up Agricola last week and enjoyed it the first two playthroughs, what board games are next on your list (i.e. we will get a great blog post on)?

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

I need to play Agricola a few more times before writing about it. Also looking at Alhambra (rec'd by at least a half-dozen of you) and Jambo.

Mark (Toronto)

What would Drabek's year end ranking be?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

He was 40 last year but has improved stuff-wise with a good performance year, so at least top 25, potentially more. Him vs Shelby Miller is an interesting comparison for me; gut says Miller but I could make a good case for Drabek right now.

AA (Atown)

asked this a few chats in a row, try once more. Is Andy LaRoche officially a bust? Think he gets one more shot to play everyday somewhere else next year?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

First time I've seen this question. I'm inclined to say "bust" on that one.

Ted (NY)

If you got a Hall of Fame vote one day, could you see yourself ever voting against a guy who stayed in the game too long a la Craig Biggio?

Klaw

  (1:57 PM)

I'd vote for Biggio in a heartbeat - would have voted for him at 2800 hits.

Tim (Denver)

Keith - Perfect example of why some of you underrate the RBI and overrate the OBP from Rocks/Phils game last week. Giambi up in the 8th with runners on 1st and 3rd with two outs. Sits the bat on his shoulder and waits for the walk, setting up E Young for bases loaded and 2 outs. I would much rather have my slugger looking to drive in runs there rather than looking to walk. Clearly there is true value to a player that wants to drive in runs rather than just get on base. Thoughts?

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

Interesting phrasing there - Giambi "waits" for the walk. I'd say he refused to swing at a pitch that was likely going to result in an out.

Mitchum (Boulder)

I think that part of people's troubles with accepting some of the "new" types of analysis boils down to their discomfort with the word luck being used, not necessarily the reasoning behind it. They seem to think that it means completely devoid of any skill, and that offends their belief that there is no luck - it's all hard work and grit in the majors. Someone should just create a new word or fancy acronym to replace luck to help things take off.

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

The real word for it is "randomness," but there's a whole section at your nearest big-box bookstore devoted to the fact that we as a species don't understand randomness very well.

Kirby (NY)

Hey, Keith. A chat participant a couple of weeks ago mentioned that the "old" stats were designed to communicate how a player had performed and the "new" stats are designed to predict how a player will perform. I thought this was a really insightful comment, and it made me think about the kind of info that could be easily communicated via a box score in the paper the next day, when the games weren't immediately accessible pretty much everywhere. Anyway, I don't have a question. Just wanted to do my part to reinforce what I thought was a very interesting observation.

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

I don't think that's an accurate statement of the "new" stats. Many of them are designed to better parcel out responsibility for specific results in the game. Pitcher wins, or even ERA, give credit to the pitcher for things that we know either have nothing to do with him (run support, bullpen performance after he leaves) or are at best only partially his doing (field outs). The problem with many of the "old" stats is that they assign responsibility incorrectly - crediting a player for something another player did, or for the context in which the event happened.

John (Lexington, KY)

Any thoughts on Kemp? Would a change of scenery/Torre departure be a good thing for him?

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

Yes. Way too much talent to write him off.

Jason (St Louis)

How long until we get the 'old school' guys on the same page with the 'saber' guys? On the ESPN radio station in my town, some guys were poking fun at how the new stat guys don't value rbis or wins anymore. They aren't good to judge individual perfomance, just team perfomance. Do we have to wait for all the older guys to quit or retire? Sigh...

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Change the station. If they're that far behind the way that most front offices now evaluate performance, they're not worth my time, at least. That's the funniest part about all of the media members who refuse to look at new statistics - they don't realize that the very executives whose teams they cover are laughing at them.

Dave (NYC)

Keith,There are Phillies fans who agree with you about generous contracts to players under control at the expense of the draft and international signings. So, any thoughts on how Wolver et al have continued to keep the farm stocked despite trading a full top ten list in the last couple years?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

I heard the other day that the Phillies have traded 20+ prospects from their system in the last (roughly) two years - if true, it is amazing that their system is still in the shape it's win. Wolever's group has done really well and they've found some promising kids internationally while also dealing with a tiny budget.

Zack (CT)

How thin is the ice that Jack Z is standing?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

I only know what I've heard through the grapevine - ownership there is looking at a change. That doesn't mean they will absolutely make one, but the Lueke fallout is still ongoing.

Jack (Toronto)

What have you heard about Mark Prior's comeback? What have you heard?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

I haven't heard anything about Mark Prior's comeback. I haven't heard anything.

Matty (IA)

Can you please explain what exactly is FIP, and xFIP?

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching, an estimated ERA that's based just on the pitcher's allowed walk, strikeout, and home run rates while assuming a league-average BABIP. It's intended as a quick-and-dirty (simple to calculate) alternative to ERA that factors out randomness and defensive help/harm in a pitcher's BABIP. xFIP further normalizes it by using a standard HR/flyball rate for all pitchers.

Chuggies (Parts Unknown)

Where was Danny Espinosa in your top 100 prospect rankings coming in to the year? Did he appear spontaneously?

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

The overreaction to 22 at bats from Espinosa is amazing. He had a .337 composite OBP in the minors this year. Very good defensive shortstop with some major offensive weaknesses, including a tendency to hook balls no matter which side he hits from. Nice prospect, not a star or close to it.

Joe (San Diego)

Speaking of Lueke, how do you feel about the subject? In my profession (or yours I'm sure) I wouldn't be able to continue to work after committing that crime, but I am understandably more replaceable than a guy who throws 95. That said, as a society it's up to us on whether or not we let guys like this play for our teams through public support/pressure. I guess we made it loud and clear with the Vick signing, but I for one wish we let these players continue a different line of work afterword. Perhaps something like flipping burgers.

Klaw

  (2:12 PM)

I'd evalaute each case on its own merits, but based on what I've read and heard about Lueke, he would not be welcome in my organization.

Chris (Dallas, TX)

Is it right to use FIP or xFIP as considerations in voting for the Cy Young? Understandably these are useful tools, but they don't necessarily reflect what *did* happen.

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

I've heard that argument many times, but it's a straw man. FIP does a better job than ERA of telling us how well a pitcher actually pitched - of what *did* happen that actually falls on the pitcher or is to his credit. Saying that ERA or W-L record or RBI tells us what did happen confuses team events or efforts with individual events or efforts. It is about assigning responsibility as accurately as we possibly can. Those who dismiss new stats that they likely don't understand are actually telling you that they are not concerned with accuracy, but would prefer to do things the way they've always done them, even if the resulting answers are demonstrably wrong.

JP (Columbus, OH)

Why do folks always resort to the "flipping burgers" line? You're insulting a fair number of people by insinuating that individuals who commit heinous acts don't "deserve" to make a comfortable living, but what they DO deserve is to go work at a fast food restaurant.

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

I like a good burger. How about "flipping burgers at Checkers?"

Tim (STL)

Klaw,Where do you see Shelby ranking in the top 100 next year? Top 20?

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

I think so.

Doc (NJ)

If you were in charge, what would be your first step toward fixing the New York Mess...I mean Mets?

Klaw

  (2:19 PM)

If we're starting from the point where Minaya is fired or reassigned, which seems to be a foregone conclusion, then I would look externally for a new GM candidate with a strong background in scouting and player evaluation, and would then tell him that he has whatever budget he needs for the draft.

jake (boston)

How about flipping burgers at Five Guys....I might have to make a stop for dinner.

Klaw

  (2:20 PM)

I was trying to come up with a lousy outcome - if "flipping burgers" itself isn't bad, then "flipping burgers at" some place that makes bad burgers would be a better option.

Lewis (WA)

Do you have a good recipe for pizza dough? I like thin crust and mine always comes out to bready or too tough. Thanks!

Klaw

  (2:21 PM)

Yes - get Peter Reinhardt's "The Bread Baker's Apprentice." Best white-flour pizza dough recipe I've tried.

Scott (SoDak)

Agree with the new vs. old stats, and especially the RBI thing. I've always thought that was dumb. Case in point: Bonds hardly ever had staggering RBI numbers given his average and homers. But, in his prime, would you want anybody else up there if you needed a hit to bring a runner in? Not me. He'd be my first pick. The RBI's should be more geared towards those who actually got on base ahead of the batter.

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Good argument. I hate RBI for two reasons - the one you mentioned, which is that they depend on who's hitting ahead of the hitter in question; and the fact that there doesn't seem to be any particular skill to driving in runners beyond the basic skills of hitting and hitting for power. So what are we measuring here? Oh, that's right - randomness. There it is again.

@Lewis(WA) (2)

Make sure to get a baking stone for the oven. Makes all the difference.

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Totally agree. Great for breads too.

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

BTW, apologies to those of you posting Top Chef questions, but I've been asked not to spoil it for those of you who DVR'd it.

Joe (San Diego)

Do you use a mixer or kneed it by hand?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

Pizza dough - mixer. Need to produce too much gluten for me to do it by hand. I do most breads by hand unless the dough is really sticky.

Smitty (denver co)

I know this is just one of many examples of why things like ERA are outdated, but if iBB's are called for from the dugout, why do they get credited to pitchers as a regular BB?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

I usually try to back IBB out for hitters and pitchers. They don't reflect skills for either player. How many IBB does the 8 hitter get in an NL lineup? Is that because he's so patient, or because there's usually a can of Spam standing in the on-deck circle?

Paul (Atlanta)

NL Pennant, who ya got? Phils?

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

Phillies, but if the Rockies sneak in I might change that.

Zack (CT)

Ever have a cooking-related injury? Any torn elbows or shoulders/.

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

Couple of burns and a few cuts a la Kelly in last night's episode (that is, nothing too serious but ugly when it happens).

Smith (Boston)

Is Casey Kelly a better prospect then Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos ?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

Very different types. I'd probably still bet on Kelly of those three.

Adam (SF)

Now that you've had more time to listen to it, will you take back your comment that Track 1 on "The Suburbs" (called "The Suburbs") is most definitely NOT a throw away or skip over song.

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

No. Still don't like it. But "We Used to Wait" has definitely grown on me.

Dave (Boston)

Thoughts on Top Chef turning the finals into a Singaporean/Asian-themed contest? Seems rather odd that they would have the focus of the last two shows be on a specific type of cuisine isntead of letting the chefs do what they do best.

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

Yes, I do agree that was odd, but I understand the producers wanting to change it up from year to year to keep people talking about it.

Dumb Question Man (Dark Ages)

If what *did* happen is less important than actual expected performance, why aren't division titles decided by run differential or pythagorean expected win totals instead of wins and losses?

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

Same straw man. I'm not arguing for "actual expected performance" (not even sure what that means). I'm arguing for getting the credit and blame in the right places. Don't credit the pitcher for the fact that his defense was particularly good. Don't blame the hitter for the fact that guys batting ahead of him didn't get on base.

Cloud (FL)

I find Kelly to be very attractive (physically), but I can't tell if I'm letting her cooking ability cloud my judgement. Any thoughts?

Klaw

  (2:30 PM)

She's definitely cute. My wife pointed out that she's Natalie from Monk. Bugged the heck out of me for about five episodes before she figured that one out.

Jeff (OH)

Keith, the Reds beat writer recently gave us an update on this 18 year-old Latin player we signed at 16...Yorman whatever. Some scout said if he were in high school last year, "nobody would have heard of Bryce Harper"...what can you tell me about this guy?

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

Yorman Rodriguez? I'd like to know who that scout was and if he ever saw Harper. Yorman's a toolshed, chance to hit and hit for power, but the guy has six walks in 179 PA this year and he's repeating the level. That's as raw as Angelo's lamb tartare. No way he'd go over Harper in the draft.

John (Lexington, KY)

People making Dumb Question Man's argument never take into account the difference between team results and individual results. The problem is allowing team factors into the individual results, thus skewing those results.

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

Exactly.

Oscar (Los Angeles)

Klaw, I'm tired of playing Monopoly & Risk and want to try some of these other boardgames you're always talking about. What would you recommend for a newbie like myself?

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

I always suggest Settlers of Catan as a starter game (and hey, Hunter Pence approves too!). It requires three players, though, so if you want one that works for 2-4, try Ticket to Ride.

Dumb Question Man (Dark Ages)

Thank you for humoring me.

Klaw

  (2:33 PM)

I figured that after four years of not really answering these questions, it was probably time to go back and explain my philosophy again. So thanks for asking it.

Baron (Large, PA)

Dylan fan? Favorite album? Thanks

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

Selected songs more than albums. "Shelter from the Storm" is my favorite.

Drew (Mpls)

Keith, I just got married. I'd like for you to congratulate me.

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

Congratulations!

Mike (Brookline)

How about some love for players in the East Coast? You are so West Coast bias. You and ESPN need to give some recognition to the Yankees and Red Sox and stop waving the Padres, Angels, and D-backs flag.

Klaw

  (2:35 PM)

I haven't even left the time zone and it's starting already.

Danny (New York)

In a chat from a long time ago, someone asked you a pretty dumb question and you responded by linking them to google where it automatically typed the same question and then moved the arrow to search. how did you do that?

Klaw

  (2:36 PM)

Let Me Google That For You - lmgtfy.com.

Jay (Melville, NY)

Please tell us which SS prospect is better Grant Green or Dee Gordon. What is their ETA for a MLB game? Thanks

Klaw

  (2:36 PM)

Gordon. Probably looking at 2012 for both guys.

Ryan (NYC)

KLaw, have you read If On A Winter's Night A Traveler by Calvino? Thoughts?

Klaw

  (2:37 PM)

Loved it. One of the most inventive books I've ever read.

Drew (Pittsburgh)

Forgot to ask, what food places to you miss most in the burgh?

Klaw

  (2:38 PM)

It's been so long I'm not sure if I could vouch for the same places, but we always loved La Cucina Flegrea and the Spice Island Tea House.

Allyson (Dallas)

No Neftali Feliz for AL ROY? 40 saves won't get it done?

Klaw

  (2:38 PM)

I wouldn't consider saves at all, but if you're asking about the actual voting I think he'll get plenty of votes.

michael (sf, ca)

theoretical question for you on the extra value scouts may add to a player due to positional value. i always hear about how SS, C, 2B, and CF are the most difficult positions to play. for instance, if the giants wanted to move buster posey off of C to 2B, would he still be as valuable to the team?

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

Less valuable, but still valuable. Playing him at first is like pointing a loaded AK-47 at your own foot.

sean (md)

You speak very highly of Blood Meridian. I've heard the prose is very difficult to get through at times. Would you agree?

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

Not at all. I find McCarthy very readable.

Aaron (LA)

What's more frustrating to you, simply as a fan of the sport, TLR reling on 'his guys' instead of 'good baseball players' or listening to a guy like Jim Tracy laud the accomplishments of Miguel Olivo while Chris Ianetta sits the bench?

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

All of it. Both managers have actively hurt their teams' playoff chances through those antics.

Zack (CT)

At what point do character concerns/issues make you want to avoid a player? 18 year old kids are immature sure, but if its 21-23 then do you re-think drafting a player? Criminal event at 18, but clean since then? Personality issues where other players just dont them (Rasmus & his dad)?

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

Violence is the big issue for me. I don't care that much if a player smokes pot as long as it's not affecting his work ethic or on-field performance. But violence against another person is a completely different issue, one that makes me question the underlying personality and whether there's something there that can't be fixed.

Klaw

  (2:43 PM)

OK, that's all for this week - I've hit my 100 minute limit, as mandated by ESPN writer development. I may not chat next week - the van is scheduled to arrive on Thursday - but I'll be back the week after if I have to skip one. Thanks for all the questions.