Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

Sorry, I had to go quaff a large draught of reality potion.

Brian (Indianapolis)

When will ESPN realize that Detroit has to overpay for players? Also, should Detroit re-sign Magglio to a 1yr-2yr deal? Also, favorite stir fry vegetable is......?

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

When will fans of various smaller markets realize that every team has to "overpay" - players rarely take anything below the best offer. And when your local tax rates are high, your offer has to reflect that. I'd take Magglio on a one year deal. Favorite stir fry vegetable is broccoli - peel the stalk & slice into coins to give the dish more crunch.

Donny (Toronto)

Hi Keith, Why would the Orioles be going after veterans such as Konerko. He is a good player but lets be honest Baltimore has no chance of the playoffs with or without him. They have a decent core but in that division fighting to maybe finish 4th makes no sense to me.

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

And at his age the cliff is near enough that a team like Baltimore shouldn't want to shoulder that risk.

John (Morristown, NJ)

Good thing the Giants locked up Pat Burrell...there must have been a huge crowd of teams looking for a .225 hitter, especially considering how awesome he looked in the WS.

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

They're just re-signing the guys who got them there. The good news is that one of Burrell and Huff will play badly enough for Belt to get a chance by midyear, assuming they don't trade him for Harvey Kuenn or something.

Ian (OK)

Settle a small MN prospect argument for us - who has the higher ceiling (not who is more likely to make it), Hicks or Benson?

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

Hicks.

Dan Hahn (Orange, CA)

Ive got a question about 2 Brewers pitchers, Jeremy Jeffress and Mark Rogers. Do you think both can be above average starters in the MLB, or do you think one or both of them are headed to the bullpen? Also, which one do you like more? Thanks

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

Both relievers. Prefer Jeffress.

Raju (Minneapolis)

What do you know about Nishioka? If the Twins do sign him, I hope they move him to 2B and keep Hardy. Your thoughts?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

Nishioka has to go to 2b - I think if they leave him at SS they'll be disappointed. Slap hitter, no power, good runner but not plus, works the count well. Solid pickup but not an impact guy.

Mike (San Diego)

As I Cardinals fan, I just wanted to say that I really hate the idea of Theriot taking over for Brendan Ryan at short. It's like the team doesn't realize that there are two ways to win. Producing runs and preventing runs. The level of run prevention the team loses going from Ryan to Theriot is much higher than the increase in run production if you ask me. It's just sad that they are going to trade an elite glove at a primary defensive position for probably 75 cents on the dollar.

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

I wouldn't play Theriot at short for more than a day, and if their plan is to have him be the everyday SS they'll probably regret it. But I am not sure that's their plan and I expect them to try to add someone else at SS before the offseason is over. Theriot at 2b is a much more appealing player, TOOTBLANs and all.

Mike (San Diego)

I know the Padres have lost some guys to free agency, but aren't they doing the right thing by not overpaying for guys like Garland, Torrealba, and Tejada, despite the fact that those three guys helped the team last year?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

Yes. Clearly.

World Cup (2022)

Qatar? Really? In the month of July they average 115 degrees. And baseball in Arizona sounded nuts.

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

I don't want the World Cup here. South Africa spent something like $16-17 billion on the Cup and didn't get close to that much back. Let someone else pay the bill.

Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)

Be honest: can you locate Qatar on an unlabeled map?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

Yes.

Jeffrey Wilson (Atlanta, GA)

Keith, the Cubs (AGAIN!) can't decide how to use their top arms. Does Andrew Cashner have the repertoire to start? How do you grade his supposed changeup? Can it be ready by opening day?

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

I think he's a plus reliever - fastball/slider, show-me changeup, and stays healthy longer in that role.

Raju (Minneapolis)

You've made it clear that you don't read the likes of James Patterson or Dan Brown, but how about Vince Flynn??

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

I don't know who that is, sorry. Currently about 160 pages from the end of Dos Passos' USA Trilogy.

Kevin (Chicago)

Should Jeff Samardzija have just stuck with football?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Yes.

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Yes.

Ian (Pittsburgh)

What do you expect from guys like Webb and Francis next year on the mound? What kind of contract do you expect them to get, and what would you pay to sign them?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Nothing. Very little interest in either guy. Slightly more in Francis, but both guys are minor league contract/NRI candidates for me.

Oscar (Los Angeles)

Can we get a $5 for the NCAA's ruling yesterday on the Cam Newton situation? I would love to hear your thoughts about it.

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

To expand on what I said on Twitter: The NCAA has decided that it is absolutely fine for a marquee player on a potential championship club in a revenue-generating sport to be shopped around to the highest-bidding school by his father, but it is not fine for a player in a non-revenue sport to use an attorney to negotiate on his behalf with a professional team that holds all the leverage and engages in such negotiations 20-30 times a year. Yeah, that seems fair.

Jon (Ithaca)

Can Chris Young live with an 86-88 MPH fastball?

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

He doesn't throw that hard.

Brendan (Washington D.C.)

It seems that most writers are ignoring the fact that Jeter is chasing 3,000 hits. While this will not effect his WAR and his monetary value per season, it actually in many ways increases Yankee revenue...well forever. They won't be selling out more games, but any external events could use Jeter's name to help promote the Yankee brand and being the only person to ever have all 3,000 hits in a Yankee uniform says something amazing. Is this part of the negotiations, or do you think writers are rightly ignoring it?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

How will it increase their revenues? Extra ticket sales? I doubt it - they sell pretty well as it is. Greater revenues for YES? OK, but I doubt it's very much, and it's very fleeting - a small increase when he gets to 2990 or so, maybe, then a dropoff at 3001. So where does it come from? If this was a different organization, yes, there would be a revenue boost from 3000 hits, but I don't think that chase does that much for the Yanks.

Adam (Minnesota)

Another MN prospect debate. Kyle Gibson or Alex Wimmers? Who has a higher ceiling? Thank You

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Gibson.

Scott (SD)

So much for the Giants getting "younger and faster," eh? Burrell, Huff, and Old Man Rivers (Tejada)? Still slightly optimistic in them because they made this type of roster work last year, but not overly enthused. You?

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

Tejada at short should be some high comedy. They're asking to regress to the mean, when they should be spending their coming revenue increase to add some impact guys to the offense. The 2010 lightning isn't striking twice, but that pitching core is good enough to do it again if they upgrade the lineup.

Frank (Bakersfield)

Will Brandon Crawford and/or Ehire Adrianza be major league ready prospects in 2012? What are your thoughts on each of them? And if they won't be ready, do the Giants go for a long term answer in free agency or through trade after next season?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Crawford is all glove, no bat. Adrianza's further away than that.

Matt (No Cal)

Whom do you prefer as a player to build around, Wil Myers or Anthony Rendon?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Rendon.

Dave (Maynard)

Keith, Where does Anthony Ranaudo project in a starting rotation, a strong #2 guy? Also, who do you think takes top Chef All Stars? I'm thinking Richard Blais

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

Strong #2 sounds about right. I've only watched two seasons of Top Chef, so I can't handicap most of these contestants. I still can't believe the eliminated chef last night didn't taste his/her food before serving it. Isn't that rule 1 of cooking after you learn how to turn on the stove?

Matt (Canberra Australia)

Hey Klaw,The MLB sponsored Australian Baseball league is up and running with some great ball being played at a supposed AA level. DiDi Gregorius is lighting up Canberra with his play at SS...Any chance we see DiDi in the majors in the next 2 or 3 years or will his bat just not play at that level? (Also - when are you coming down under to do some scouting man??)

Klaw

  (1:23 PM)

That's not even close to AA level down there. I'm guessing short-season A-ball based on who's there.

mendel (fl)

Klaw, how do you feel the marlins offseason has gone? They've significantly upgraded at SP, bullpen and catching (3 of their big holes last year) and they have a ton of young talent ready to shine next year!?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

Horribly. It is too early to grade offseasons, but I can't think of a team that's done worse so far.

Ryan (Ottawa)

If a team stuck to it's guns and never overpaid in dollars/years for quality free agents, they wouldn't be very good. True or false?

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

More false than true. You "overpay" when you're at the edge of strong contention - so the marginal benefit of adding that free agent is amplified by the fact that your revenues go up dramatically as you approach and reach the playoffs.

David (Dallas, TX)

What are your thoughts on Robbie Erlin and Robbie Ross? Some thinks that Erlin is a reliever.

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

I do too. Prefer Ross.

Kirby (NY)

Hey, Keith. Is "Street Gang" the name of the book about Sesame Street that you like? I hope so, because I already bought it for my wife.

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

Yes, excellent book if you love the show. By the way, anyone else jazzed to see that Cookie Monster will make a Top Chef cameo later this season? Best. Guest. Judge. Ever.

Reif (Denver)

Keith, part of the logic behind the Tulo deal is you're paying him peanuts for the next few years, so you can afford to overpay him later on. Isn't that flawed logic?

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

It's BRUTAL logic.

Brandon (RI)

Klaw, any recommendations on what to do with the pork tenderloin that's been sitting in my freezer for weeks now?

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

You should probably take it out and thaw it.

Cutter (Bethesda, MD)

So did your head nearly explode when you saw Ryan Howard received a 2nd place MVP vote?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

I laughed, just like I laughed to see that two of Cabrera's AL MVP 1st place votes came from Detroit writers (one of whom was among the two Magglio-1st place voters in 2007, the other was the voter who put Verlander first on his Cy ballot last year). But I'm just glad to see the overall trend is to get away from the old method of junk-stat voting.

Ben (SF)

What happened to Connor Gillaspie? I realize more prospects fail than succeed, but he was pretty highly touted when the Giants drafted him, and last year I don't think he even made the SF top 10 prospects.

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

Good swing but no power. He doesn't utilize his lower half at all, so the ball just doesn't go anywhere. If they can clean up Belt, can't they change Gillaspie's mechanics? They have nothing to lose as he's barely a prospect at this point.

Red (San Francisco)

Jonathan Sanchez and Brandon Crawford for Jose Reyes. Who says no? And, how good of a fit do you see Reyes for the Giants/who do you think is the best, and most realistic, fit at SS for the Giants if not Reyes?

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

Mets say no. Did the Giants just do a great job of hyping Crawford? He hasn't been a serious prospect since he started his sophomore year of college, but his name seems to come up constantly now.

Grant (Fresno, CA)

From the Giants' standpoint, would it have been better to get Uribe for the three year deal he signed with the Dodgers or Tejada for the one year at $6.5 million?

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

Tejada if they weren't playing him at SS. Downside is so much lower - giving Uribe three years in one of the best eating cities in America seems like a particularly bad idea.

Cory (Geneva, IL)

Keith, do you have a favorite Christmas Movie? My favorite is the Muppet version of "A Christmas Carol".

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

That's a favorite in this house, but "White Christmas" is still the king.

Trav (sf)

what about crawford? crawford. crawford, though? also, is thomas neal on track to make any contribution around 2012, or is he fringe at this point?

Klaw

  (1:36 PM)

I could see Neal helping the club as a bench guy in the second half of 2011.

Dan (Boston, MA)

Did you get a chance to see Joe Paterson pitch in the AFL? I don't think I've ever seen a scouting report on him, but his numbers are very good and he appeared to be especially dominant in the AFL.

Klaw

  (1:36 PM)

Sidearmer. Might be Javier Lopez some day.

Aaron (San Francisco)

You mention the Giants "hyping" Crawford, and every year it seems like fringe NY and Boston prospects get serious attention as major trade chips (and, as a Twins fan, I feel like we were on the wrong end of a whole lot of hype in the Santana deal). Do teams consciously work to hype their own prospects? (i.e. leak fake trade rumors and overblown scouting reports) If not ... shouldn't they? I volunteer to do this for the Twins.

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

Yes, absolutely. Happens all the time.

Rozario Thomas (New York NY)

Hello Keith. I don't quite understand why everyone is speculating that there is still a slight chance that Jeter might end up in a non-Yankee uniform in 2011. Giants were the only team, in my knowledge who needed a shortstop and they got Tejada now. There is no option whatsoever for Jeter other than signing with the Yankees. Am I missing out something here ? Shouldn't the only open question be how much money and how many years with NYY?

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

Yes. It's kind of a non-story.

bob (chicago)

what did you think of the psych twin peaks episode?

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

It was excellent, but I'm guessing that viewers who never saw Twin Peaks thought it was dumb. It was mostly a reference-fest.

Barry (Mohawk, New York)

No question. Just a thank you. I read Empire Falls last week and I'm now reading Risk Pool. Russo is amazing.

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

Best American novelist going? He's got a pretty good case.

nithin (new jersey)

i am a yankee fan and i will be so happy if cliff lee comes to the yankees

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

Thanks for sharing.

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

Reading Terminal Market. I could live there for weeks.

John (Denville, NJ)

Isn't it "Holiday Inn" instead of "White Christmas?

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

"Holiday Inn" is good too, but even sillier, and of course you might want to fast-forward through the Lincoln's Birthday scene...

Steve (NYC)

Is an offer of Kelly, Lars, Doubront and Kalish for Upton good enough? No super-elite guys, but four who are ready or close to it.

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

No. Not even close.

Kevin (KC)

Percent chance Greinke gets traded and everyone's thoughts are: "really, for that?"

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

Even money.

JK (Chicago)

KLaw, How would you feel about the 110-120 inning reliever role for Chris Sale this year? Ozzie seemed fine mixing and matching closers last year and Sale had some good 2-3 inning appearances. Would this be a way to let him use his best stuff in bursts and increase his impact instead of limiting him to the 60 innings a closer gets? Most seem skeptical a long, fruitful life as a starter awaits him.

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

Interesting. I feel like that 100-plus inning role is best for a guy whose mechanics you love but whose stuff is short for a starter, or who just can't hold it all together for 80-100 pitches. Sale's arm action is pretty ugly, which is why most scouts with whom I've discussed him pegged him as a reliever (by most, I mean maybe 90%). So while I agree the best way to use Sale is to just work him in the majors until he breaks, I'm thinking 110 innings in a year just breaks him faster.

Michael (Kalamazoo, MI)

Apparently Katar was a trending topic on twitter this morning. God Bless America.

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

Farve.

Devin Mesoraco (I don't know where I'm at.)

I keep hearing how my defense left something to be desired in the AFL. Isn't the fact that I was catching new pitchers worth mentioning? Or am I just not good behind the plate?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

Everyone else was catching new pitchers too, without coming down with dropsy.

Matt (Turlock, CA)

Chances Palmiero ever makes it into cooperstown?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

25%.

Jason (NJ)

To your credit, at this time last year you were saying that someone was going to dramtically overpay Figgins and be very disappointed in his performance. Feel that way about any current free agent? I'm thinking Beltre.

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Dunn. Maybe Beltre. Konerko if he gets multiple years.

Mikey (Denver)

What're the odds the Rockies end up flipping CarGo for some prospects in few years, given the money they just tied up with Tulo?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

I don't think the Tulo contract affects the CarGo situation - he's a Boras client and looks to me like the kind of guy who'll get overpaid in free agency. So he's probably not a Rockie for the long haul either way.

Chris (Laurel Springs,NJ)

Can you post this?

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

Let me check.

Muzzy (Leicester)

Titus Andronicus' "The Monitor" was picked by Paste magazine as one of the top 5 albums of the year. Over or under rated?

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

Over. Definitely see that as a critic's album. I found it impossible to get through.

Jason (St Louis)

But with Dunn, what you see is what you get. Odds are he'll keep getting on base, hitting homeruns and if he's put at first, butchering fielding low and high throws like crazy. If that is what you pay for and you feel the money you gave him was worth it, is that really overpaying?

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

I don't think what you see today is what you'll get three and four years from now.

Taz (San Jose, CA)

KLAW, for next 5 years who is the safer bet, Greinke or Lee?

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

I feel better about Greinke over the next five years given age and the minor back trouble Lee had this year.

Evan (Philly)

So are you saying that it is ok for my girlfriend and I to see Tangled by ourselves? She wanted to take my god son along just to keep up appearances.

Klaw

  (1:52 PM)

Yes, it's definitely not a straight kids' movie.

Derek (Philly)

How about a Phillies question? Did Hamels show that he's a legit ace last year?

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

I think he showed that even a one-year sample for a pitcher still contains a lot of noise.

Kevin (KC)

All the worries about Greinke's Social Anxiety Disorder is just nonsense, right? I think it shows how ignorant the business of baseball can be sometimes.

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

I think it shows how ignorant much of society is about mental disorders.

Dave (Somerville, MA)

What's Ellsbury's trade value at this point? Headliner in a major deal or obligatory "MLB ready young player" as a 2nd piece behind a top prospect?

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

The latter. Definitely not a headliner.

Mike (Alabama)

Justin Upton or Mike Stanton and why?

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

Upton.

Matt (Seattle)

Regarding Qatar, have you read Soccernomics? It pretty much concludes that a country hosting a World Cup creates more happiness and nationalism rather than economic growth.

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

Haven't, but that conclusion doesn't surprise me. And if you think it's reasonable for a government to spend that kind of money to create happiness and nationalism, that's fine. I just don't believe that's the role of government.

Brian (NY)

Better deal for Boston: 5/80 for Werth or 6/100 for Crawford?

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

Crawford.

Mark (Lyme, CT)

Linares put up some good numbers in the AFL. Did you see him, and does he have a shot to make the bigs.

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

Saw him. Maybe a bench guy, but didn't see any above-average tools.

Frank (CT)

If Montero lives up to the hype. On a career year can you see. 300/380/550 with 35+ homers?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

Sure.

Dave (Somerville, MA)

Top Chef Casey: Walking down the street cute or just girl who can cook and might be a bit sarcastic cute?

Klaw

  (1:57 PM)

I think walking down the street cute. I need more looks to improve that evaluation, though.

John (Qatar, TX)

Carlos Beltran, something left or done?

Klaw

  (1:57 PM)

Something left if he ever gets healthy.

Dan (Boston, MA)

What do you mean when you mentioned society's ignorance of mental disorders? We don't value them enough or we value them too much?

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

That in general we don't understand them.

Rob (Alaska)

Why do you have a different picture for chats vs. comments? As one commenter noted, that photo looks like a mug shot. But in a good way of course.

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

It is a mug shot. I was arrested for strangling a chatter who asked too many stupid questions. I was acquitted, of course.

vk (dc)

Top Chef: how many episodes before someone beats up Marcel? And Richard Blaise wins it all.. yes or no?

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

I don't know, Glasses McStufferson there from elimination looks more likely to tick someone off to the point where he gets popped.

brian (brooklyn)

What would you have done to the guy who played take the money and run? I am thinking honorary degree

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

Absolutely. And a raise.

ray (burlington, nj)

Keith-thanks for the chat. what should LAD do with Russell Martin-tender, non-tender, trade him?

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

If he won't sign for well under his likely arb number, he's a non-tender.

Nick (Long Island, NY)

Going forward, Phil Hughes or Mike Pelfrey? Also, if you're on Long Island, check out Social Sports Kitchen across the street from Hofstra. Danny Gagnon from season 5 of Top Chef is the head chef there. Great food.

Klaw

  (2:01 PM)

Hughes.

Paddy (St. Louis)

Since you know your Twin Peaks...Audrey, Shelley, Laura, or Donna (ugh)?

Klaw

  (2:01 PM)

Today? Audrey, for certain.

Paul (San Francisco)

You may be right about society's ignorance, but the situation with Grienke is just empirical, right? He was a top prospect, then had a couple of years of bad performance, then had a couple of years of great performance, and the explanation we were all provided was that he was suffering from a personality disorder during those two years. I don't know anything about the details of his disorder, but whatever it is, at one point it had a pretty profound on his perofrmance, such that if I were going to invest in him long-term I'd want to know the chances it would return. That he apparently included "high pressure" cities on a limited no-trade list, whether relevant or not, could certainly be construed as self-acknowledgment that there's a chance it might recur under certain circumstances.

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

I construe it as an acknowledgement that teams in "high-pressure" cities are also more likely or able to spend to buy a player out of a no-trade clause.

Cam Newton ($$$)

You think I will ever get ruled ineligible?

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Yes, in 2016, once TCU is safely ensconced in the Big East and any threat to the BCS's sovereignty is fully quashed.

John (Riverside, CA)

Why so much love for Hughes after how he got lit up in the offseason?

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Didn't realize he pitched in the offseason.

Evan (Calgary)

What are your thoughts on the U.S.A. Trilogy to this point?

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

It's an amazing accomplishment, but the lack of any narrative greed has made it more of an academic read than a pleasurable one.

Michael (Kalamazoo, MI)

the easy solution is just to pay all college athletes.

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

I agree wholeheartedly.

Michael (Kalamazoo, MI)

What is one spice you would always use fresh, not dried? Vice versa?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

Fresh parsley, not dried. Not sure of anything I'd use dried when fresh is available. Lavender?

Jim (Doylestown, pa)

JC Ramirez and Phillipe Aumont--comeback canidates?

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

Not excited about either guy. Ramirez over Aumont.

Eric (Kentucky)

Reds are looking to extend Arroyo. He said he wouldnt give a discount like Rolen did. Agree that a Arroyo extension would be a huge blow to the team economically. Basicly making it impossible to keep most of their young players and got outside of the organization?

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

Agree. Wouldn't extend him.

Jeff (NYC)

So if nobody pitches a perfect game/no-hitter next year, are we back to calling 2011 the year of the hitter? Also...Trout or Rasmus?

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

Trout. And randomness is random.

Tom (Los Angeles)

Parsley is an herb, not a spice, which I wouldn't have mentioned if it weren't for the offseason/postseason snark above.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Except that there is no answer to the spice question. Is there a spice we use fresh?

spider monkey (trees)

Do you see Matusz making a big step in 2011? He was up and down in 2010, but obviously has the talent to be exceptional.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Yes, I do. Saw enough this year to make me optimistic about him in 2011-12.

Steve (Anaheim)

I know defense is notoriously difficult to predict, but what type of defense will Dunn provide in the future at 1B? He seems to made strides last year.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

He was excellent. All that clanking was Zimmerman's fault, remember?

Rozario Thomas (New York, NY)

I have two questions Keith. In the wake of the Rays' roster losing big-impact players and with all the other looming winter meeting signings/trades, how do you see the AL east shaping up in 2011? Will it be just the Yankees/Red Sox - winner/wildcard situation ? Or do you see any other potential threats for them ? The second question is do the Cy Young award voters ever take into account that CC pitches in the big hitting AL east? Do you agree with David Price being ranked higher than CC in the Cy Young race Big fan of your blog btw.

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

Rays are still a threat, and I don't think Toronto is lining up to be any kind of pushover. A full year of no-Cito and more development from Snider should help, and I'd like to think Hill gets back to his old line-drive self. And yes, I think voters do - or at least should - consider caliber of competition. But Sabathia didn't have to face the Yanks' offense.

Simeon (LIC, NYC)

I understand that Trout is one of the faster/fastest right handed prospects in the minors, but what else about his game translates into him being seen as "the top" prospect" in the minors?

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

Plus-plus hitter with incredible feel for the zone. Projects as a plus defender in center too.

James [via mobile]

Will the Jays take a serious look at acquiring Upton? What would it take?

Klaw

  (2:12 PM)

I think every team that could take (Justin) Upton has inquired. No one passes on a chance to acquire guy like that.

Chris (Texas)

Ever read "The Physics of Baseball"?

Klaw

  (2:12 PM)

Yes. I won't claim to understand it all, though.

Craig (Boulder)

What's Tyler Matzek's ceiling and when would you expect to see his debut with the Rockies?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

I still think he's a potential number one starter, but the Rockies tinkered with his mechanics this year, which makes no sense to me at all since his arm worked extremely well in high school. Get him back to how he was pitching in 2009 and he'll be back on track.

Roger (Cleveland)

If I live in Cleveland, why would I want to buy The New York Times?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

Hey, how else would you know that a week ago someone sent a letter to someone else about something that wasn't even against the rules in the first place?

Kevin (KC)

Not saying the Royals - or any other team - are doing this, but isn't citing Greinke's issues to begin with just an excuse to talk themselves into trading him as the right thing to do? I guess that goes back to the ignorance: "we don't know that much about the disorder, so we're free to assume whatever pros or cons comes with it, as long as it makes us feel better."

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

That gets at the heart of my complaint about how the disorder is covered - it becomes the answer for everything, for whatever you want it to be.

Baron (Large, Pa)

Ever read 'Look Homeward, Angel'? ARendon still #1? Thanks

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

Don't know it. I'm leaving Rendon at 1 until there's some evidence that either his ankle is a long-term issue or that there's another player (Springer?) who's better.

Adam (Dallas, TX)

I know you said what Scott Boras did in Latin America was not wrong, but do you think overall he is bad for baseball?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

Not at all. I have no problem with players getting paid what they're actually worth (or more) in marginal revenues.

Jason (St Louis)

Forget not understanding the disorders, if someone just mentions they are on some type of SSRI or another antidepressent, they'll get looked at different and discriminated against. It's crazy.

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

Amen. Times a thousand.

Daniel (Boston)

Wikileaks...your thoughts?

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

I think it would fantastic if the main result of these leaks was to damage the relationship between China and North Korea.

Gary (Fort Worth)

Opinions on Jorge de la Rosa? He seems...volatile.

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

But there's upside. He's one of the few FAs this winter who could be substantially better over the life of this contract than he was over the last two years.

Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)

Are you a re-reader? If so, which books have been on your re-reading list (as an adult - I'm not talking Green Eggs and Ham here)?

Klaw

  (2:19 PM)

Very, very rarely. Re-read some books from HS to see if I liked or appreciated them more as an adult (Things Fall Apart, Pride & Prejudice). Re-read The Eyre Affair after reading Jane Eyre because I missed too many jokes in the former. But there are so many books I want to read for the first time that I rarely make time to read anything for the second.

Jason (St Louis)

I guess it is that time of year for people to start complaining about Boras, who all he does is do his job extremely well. Certainly don't want the guys on the field doing the work to get paid. I'd hate for one of the owners to miss a payment on their G4 or 150 foot yacht.

Klaw

  (2:20 PM)

Exactly. I don't believe in vilifying anyone just because of their wealth (or income!), but how do the players end up "greedy" but the owners skate by as the relative good guys?

Matt (Stamford)

Fresh ground cinnamon? Saffron?

Klaw

  (2:21 PM)

Can't grind cinnamon (cassia) finely enough at home for me. Isn't saffron always dried?

Gary (Fort Worth)

Am I unenlightened if I hate Ulysses? I tried it last week and think it's pretentious drivel.

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

I am sympathetic to that point of view. He wrote it to be studied and analyzed, not to be read.

Scrapper (Chicago)

Top holiday recommendation for a good family board game for parents with young teenagers? Looking for best combo between strategy and playability. Nothing over 2 hours per game, please.

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

The usual suspects: Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Dominion.

Common Joe (Everywhere, USA)

Because I identify with the players. I used to play little league/high school/college baseball. I have never been an owner or could even really begin to fathom what that entails.

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

Good point. But I think the media propagates that greedy-player myth too.

RJ (Maryland )

Do the Tigers have any everyday players in their farm system who could be future all stars? I hear about their pitchers like Turner and Oliver, but never any position players

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

Castellanos would probably be that guy in the next year.

Dave (Portland)

I suppose you could use fresh ginger. Assuming they can't pull off an acceptable trade, do you think it makes more sense for the Cubs to sign a free agent first baseman (Pena?) or see if Colvin can grow into the position?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

That's true, I don't like dried ginger at all. It's like gingery sawdust. I'm very skeptical of Colvin ever hitting enough to play a corner spot every day and would be fine with them rolling the dice on Pena for a year.

Patrick (South Bend)

You are both wrong about Ulysses. To say that it was written to be studied is reductive and simple-minded. Complexity does not render a work of art unpleasing all by itself. Ulysses is one of the funniest and most witty books ever written.

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

Actually, Joyce himself said it - I'm just pulling from his quote. And having read the whole thing, with two reading guides alongside it, I can say with certainty that it is not even among the 50 funniest books I've read.

Ted (The Cubicle)

Back to Burrell -- can you really fault a 1 year contract that reportedly pays $1MM plus incentives? That's a low risk signing for bench power if nothing else. He had a good line with the Giants in the regular season.

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

Agreed, the risk is tiny, but I worry about the play-the-veteran mentality there, especially since they did just that with Molina/Posey last year.

Lloyd (DFW (a.k.a. luggage hell))

Brandon Workman in MLB - starter, elite closer, elite set-up man, ham and egger?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

I'll give him a chance to start. You might be there a while.

Jim (Boston)

When Don Cooper finishes his responsibilities with the World Cup Selection Committee (of course he voted for Qatar... get it?) what's he coming back to on the South Side? Anyone particular lined up for a Danks-esque or Jackson-esque bump?

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

Nicely done. Jackson doesn't strike me as the kind of guy he has a lot of success with. If I'm Kenny Williams I'm asking Cooper for a list of fringe guys who might sign for a year or two who he thinks he can tweak successfully.

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

Nicely done. Jackson doesn't strike me as the kind of guy he has a lot of success with. If I'm Kenny Williams I'm asking Cooper for a list of fringe guys who might sign for a year or two who he thinks he can tweak successfully?

Evan (Philly)

Is there a word more pretentious than drivel? Not to make fun of that guy who said it or anything but I challenge anyone to use the word drivel in day-to-day conversation and not come off like a d-bag.

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

I have nothing to add to this, but one curiosity in the U.S.A. trilogy was the use of "douche bag" in its original sense, not something you see every day.

ron (SC)

Nutmeg?

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

No thanks, I just ate.

Klaw

  (2:30 PM)

Pat in Wakefield - email me/leave a comment at the dish, I have a few ideas.

hector (chicago)

will josh vitters ever get "it" /

Klaw

  (2:31 PM)

I wish I knew. I can't think of the last guy I saw like that, but if he doesn't show some selectivity at the plate I can't be that optimistic.

Stephen (Palo Alto)

Best case scenario for Gary Brown?

Klaw

  (2:31 PM)

Everyday CF with plus defense.

Mike (San Diego)

How was Thanksgiving? Did you make anything outside of the norm?

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

My daughter was sick so we had to cancel our plans to go to a friend's house. I kept it very simple since it was fairly last-minute.

Josh (DC)

Excited for Hershiser, Shulman and Valentine on Sunday Nights?

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

I'm a big Shulman fan. He and Campbell were always great on radio. Haven't heard much of the others' work.

Matt (London, ON)

You're apparently against adding a wild card in each league. I don't understand why anyone would be against. As a Jays fan, I may have a slanted view on this, but doesn't it make sense to have to more fans feel like their team has a chance to win the World Series? I know as a die hard Jays fan I feel like the season is almost a write-off when it starts. I would think this would drive enthusiasm.

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

Why is the season almost a write-off when it starts? Because Toronto can't compete with those large-market Rays, who have made the playoffs twice in three years?

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Have you read the rest of the books in the Thursday Next series...what are your thoughts on them? Those books were a breath of fresh air...Jasper Fforde is vastly underrated.

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

Read everything the man has written. He's outstanding.

Buck Buchanan (Huntsville)

Speaking of funny books, I'm really enjoying Russo's Straight Man right now. Has the Upton-mania died down or is their still a 25% chance or more he gets traded, maybe next week?

Klaw

  (2:35 PM)

Ask me when I get to Orlando. I have no feel for what that market is like right now.

Jimmy Fingers (North)

As A Jays fan too. I agree with Jeff. How long did Tampa suck??? Oh yeah forever, nice window for them!

Klaw

  (2:35 PM)

Might have had something to do with ownership and front office. Those changed, and their fortunes changed.

John Collins (Greenville NC)

Re: Dos Passos, what is "narrative greed"? Is that like a juicy story line?

Klaw

  (2:36 PM)

Something that pulls you through the book - a hook in the story, but one that (preferably) builds over the course of the entire novel, so that you never want to stop reading.

Klaw

  (2:38 PM)

OK, thanks for all the questions. I'll be back in two weeks for one more pre-holiday chat.