Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

The Rex Ryan thing reminded me of one of my biggest pet peeves on the road - if you're in the passenger seat and your feet are on the dashboard, after you hit the car in front of you, what do you think the airbag will do to your legs?

Bern Groodhue (Alexandria va)

If you can lock him up long term, how far off is the Olney rumored Greinke offer (J. Zimmermann, Espinosa, Storen) for the Nats?

Klaw

  (1:03 PM)

This was sent on Friday or Saturday, but it's worth mentioning I heard after the fact that the offer was Zimmerman, Storen, Norris, which makes a little more sense for KC since I think Norris can catch.

Jake (Seattle)

If Johnny Damon has one more productive year (150 hits, 30 doubles, 80 runs, 15 steal, and assuming he finds a starting a job) is he a legitimate HOF candidate. He would be over 2700 hits, 500 doubles, 400 steals and 1600 runs and already has 100 triples and 200 bombs, and has two rings.

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

Not for me - he'd be an accumulator without the peak. There's almost no black ink in his record, no .400 OBPs, no .500 SLGs, no top-10 MVP finishes (I understand that's circular, but I think it matters to the electorate). When was he ever in the discussion for best player in his league?

Ryan (Madison)

Hey Klaw. I really like the Greinke trade for two different reason: 1. Along with the Marcum trade, this finally gives the Brewers at least respectable starting pitching to go along with their usual stead offense; 2. If for some reason the Brewers are out of the playoff race by the end of July, they have 2 very good trade pieces in Fielder and Greinke, (possibly Marcum), and you would think they could get at least as good as haul as they had to give away for Greinke in the first place. Your thoughts? Thanks

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

I can't see them being far enough out of it in July that they'd need to think about dumping payroll. They're good enough and the division is soft enough that they'll be very much in the race into September barring some catastrophic series of injuries.

Kris (Philly)

I know you're partial to Arizona, but what's your favorite spring training stadium in Florida?

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

Haven't been to Port Charlotte or Fort Myers. Of the ones I went to my favorite is Clearwater (Phillies).

Charlie (Rhode Island)

KLaw purchased Settlers of Catan for the family for Christmas, looking forward to playing it. Do you think Dominguez of Florida is the long term answer at 3B? Have a great holiday season.

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

Defensively, he's ready now. But I'm concerned he'll never hit offspeed stuff well enough to be more than Pedro Feliz. I'd like to be wrong about that, but he's got a lot of minor league at bats without much if any improvement there.

Scott (Chicago)

Keith, have you noticed since moving West that you don't feel pressure like you used to when you answer questions or do your job?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

I see what you did there

Tim (Boston)

So, what do you think would happen to a college baseball player that traded autographs for tattoos before the CWS?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

He'd be harassed all fall, then he'd be told on February 16th that he was suspended for 40 games.

Scott (SoDak)

What amount of money would it take for the Giants to hire you to be Kung Fu Panda's chef in the offseason so he could lose some weight?

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

I am not the cook to hire if you want to lose weight. #butter

Eric Solomon (New York, NY)

Thanks for responding to my tweet...there are some NY Yankees fans (myself among them) that feel there is an opportunity to expose some of the young pitching talent to the majors this year (given the whiff on Lee and potential retirement of Pettitte). If you were GM, and given your knowledge of the Yanks' system-wide pitching depth, would you endorse that road at this point?

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

I'd love to see Nova get 5th starter time and Banuelos make some appearances later in the year.

Hazeltine (Las Vegas)

What kinda jump in numbers do you expect from Jason Heyward? Is .300/.400/.500 expected or an "if-all-things-go-right" scenario?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

I feel like that's more expected than perfect-world. Perfect world for Heyward probably has him slugging .600.

Thomas (Los Angeles)

Did you see Buster Olney's list of the 10 best starting rotations? Did you disagree with any of the choices? Were there any glaring omissions?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

He had St. Louis 8th, right? That struck me as low.

TO (Canada)

Does either Brent Morel or Chris Johnson have much upside? Are either of them a star or are they just fillers?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

Neither is a star. Morel could be a solid-average regular, Johnson less than that.

mike h (Madison WI)

KLaw-What should Doug Melvin do next in addition to getting a different SS than Betancourt?

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

Centerfield ain't exactly locked down with Gomez - he's all glove but no bat yet. Is Parra definitely going to the pen? If not, more pen depth would help, although I could see them getting 900 innings or so from that rotation.

stevie wbl mn [via mobile]

How much do you think the japanise guy will do for fantasy/where do you rank him

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

You know there's more than one, right?

William Wolf (Pittsburgh, PA)

Who do the Pirates take at number 1 in the draft come April?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Come June? Right now, the best guess is Rendon. But he's not a Strasburg/Harper-type lock because the pool is strong.

Mike (San Fran)

B.A. has Taijuan Walker as the Mariners 4th best prospect heading into 2011. Last time I checked he was and 18 year old in rookie ball.

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

It's not my place to defend their list, but I'm assuming when they do Washington's list, the Nationals' best prospect will be an 18-year-old playing a new position without a regular season at bat to his name.

Thomas (Los Angeles)

Can Tony Gwynn, Jr. hit or run enough to play CF everyday? (Let's ignore the fact that the Dodgers will probably stick him in left...)

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

No.

ronk (boston)

Hi Keith,Please comment on the HOF candidates. Do you think they will get in? Do you think they SHOULD get in? Bagwell. Walker. Blyleven.

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

I think Blyleven gets in. I don't think either hitter gets in this year, but would vote for Bagwell. Anyone else think this apparent surge in support for Jack Morris is a bunch of dinosaur voters angry that Felix Hernandez and Zack Greinke won Cy Young Awards with historically low win totals? "They say pitcher wins don't count? I'll show them!" I imagine the majority of Morris voters write his name in ALL CAPS. In crayon.

Ryan (IL)

Klaw-any sweet you particularly love this time of year?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Italian flag cookies (aka tri-color or rainbow cookies) are a Christmas tradition for us going back about 15 years. Hard to find outside of the northeast.

Casey (Hawaii)

Where would Sano have gone last year if he was in the draft?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Second or third.

Coach Cal (Lexington)

Clayton Richard: Continued improvement or step back in 2011?

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

I like him a lot more now with the higher arm slot than I did when he was a low 3/4 slinger with Chicago.

stevie wbl mn [via mobile]

Sorry i meant the twins guy they signed last week how will he do in fantasy/Where do you put him sorry for that mistake

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

I think he'll help in batting average and steals (above-average runner, but not a burner like Ichiro) but not in power.

Jimmy (Twin Cities)

KLAW, what's your take on trammell? is he worthy for the Hall?

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

I'm a Trammell supporter. If I had a ballot I might write in Whitaker too just on principle.

Buddy (Peoria, IL)

The majority of Cubs fans I talk to hate the Pena signing. I like it (low risk, high reward). Your thoughts?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

I like it. Some risk, but high reward, and if we ranked big league players on makeup he'd probably be top 10, so it's not like he'll go all Milton Bradley and burn your stadium down or something.

Samson Simpson (Brooklyn)

I find it hilarious that some dinosaur sportswriters (who I will not name here) will vote for Morris and his 254 wins and not Blyleven and his 287, even while extolling the value of pitcher wins in the same article. Logic fail.

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Which would you prefer: Someone who relies on stats consistently across all players, or someone who relies on stats when they support his predetermined opinions and trashes stats when they don't?

Jim (Toronto)

Deck McGuire - a future top of the rotation SP or an effective bullpen guy?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Couldn't call him more than a third starter unless something significant changes in his repertoire.

Doug (Cincy)

You only have like 8 or 9 years until you are eligible to vote, right?

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

Eight more years. I can't say I'm keeping an advent calendar for that date.

David (Kentucky)

Drew Stubbs was viewed as having great tools but questions about his ability to hit when drafted. This past season he started poorly but finished strong. How realistic is it for a player to become a good hitter if there are doubts when drafted? What do you foresee for Stubbs?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

That doesn't look like a skill improvement for Stubbs, but a sample-size fluke, compounded by facing weaker competition in September. That aside, hitters do improve in pro ball - swings and stances change, approaches improve, players get stronger.

Mike (San Diego)

So do you like the fact that the Padres have spun a bunch of their middle relievers from last year for everyday players? I don't think they've made a move this offseason that I really dislike.

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

I love it. A Padres GM should be spinning Petco-created pitchers for more valuable players all the time.

Jeremy Jeffress (Kansas City)

Do guys on the 40 man roster get tested for pot? (Please say no, please say no.) #fingerscrossed

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

No. I don't know what happens if he gets caught with weed by the police, though.

Thomas (Louisiana)

Kieth, what's the best tool you have ever seen. Have you ever thought, "wow I wish I could give that a 90"? Bonds' power? Ichiro's hit? Strasburg's fastball? Thanks

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Strasburg's fastball, and Aroldis' as well. Tim Lincecum's curveball in college might qualify.

Dennis (Bloomington, IN)

Did the Brewers just save the White Sox from having the worst farm system in baseball?

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Not sure if Chicago would have been 30 again - they won't be much above that - but Milwaukee's is clearly the worst now.

Rob (LA)

What do you think of the Stieg Larsson books?

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

Read the first one, didn't love it, not planning to read the second one. Reviewed it here: http://bit.ly/14Q5vu

Hazeltine (Las Vegas)

Where is Freddie Freeman's stock? A good defensive 1B, who has an potential above average bat w/ some pop. I'm thinking a Don Mattingly-type player.

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

Above-average plate discipline too, but average power at best. I've never been that high on him - nice player, not a star.

Gary (Atlanta)

Doesn't the White Sox farm system get a pass considering the success of Beckham and Sale?

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

I grade farm systems on players who still have rookie eligibility. Sale would count, but Beckham certainly won't. It's a snapshot ranking, not a "last five years" ranking.

ethan (denver)

The cupboard may be bare, but Doug Melvin has been acting like an entirely different animal this offseason (in a good way). Agreed?

Klaw

  (1:33 PM)

I'm guessing he realized another year without a playoff appearance meant the end of the line for him as a GM. Incentives are powerful.

Dan (Orange, CA)

Who do you like more, Garrit Cole or Matt Purke? Who do you feel is the top pitcher in next years draft? Real life and fantasy

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

I'd take Cole over Purke.

John (Austin)

Most people don't like the Greinke trade, but I think they're missing the whole key to the deal: we finally got somebody to take Yuni Betancourt off our hands! For that reason alone I think the trade was a coup for KC. Yuni probably costs us more wins in a given year than Greinke gives us, and for some reason nobody on the KC staff would bench him. As a result, Moore basically had to deal Yuni. Giving up Greinke was a small price to pay. Your thoughts?

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

I still remember people in the KC org being upset with me for my analysis of the original Yuni trade. I'm guessing that topic won't come up again.

Brandon (Nashville)

KLaw, where do think Sonny Grey will rank this year among pitchers in college baseball? What about his selection in the draft?

Klaw

  (1:36 PM)

Top five among college pitchers. Top ten in the draft.

Brandon (RI)

Are you really chatting today? If so, thanks, I appreciate the dedication to your fans.

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

I'm not. This is actually Old Hoss Radbourn ghost-chatting for me.

Stephen (Walnut Creek)

I know your top 100 isn't released for another month or so, but after the Greinke trade, how many Royals do you see cracking the list?

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

I'm thinking six. Hosmer, Myers, Montgomery, Lamb, and Moustakas for certain.

Steve (Middletown, CT)

In regards to BABIP it seems that if I was to start a game for the Boston Red Sox and threw 60 MPH meatballs over the plate all day I would give up substantially more HR/FB and have a higher BABIP than what we currently expect from ML pitchers. With that in mind should we expect more advanced metrics like BABIP and xFIP to normalize only at the highest levels of the sport?

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

Agreed. I'm not certain that those stats will even work correctly for players right around replacement-level. Did Pitcher X have a high BABIP because of bad luck/defense, or because his stuff just isn't good enough to get big league hitters out?

Andy (Fairless Hills, PA)

Do you buy into the whole "confederate money" story with the Orioles? I mean they went 2 MM under for Martinez, and they have a well above the market offer to LaRoche (3/21) that he hasn't accepted yet.

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

They don't have 3/$21 out there to LaRoche. I think he wants that, but the Orioles haven't offered it.

Dan McKay (Albuquerque, N.M.)

Any thoughts on Tommy Joseph? His overall line in Augusta wasn't impressive, but he did have an ISO approaching .170 in a tough environment and as a teenager.

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

I like him - plus power, plus arm. Doubt he'll ever be an average glove but I do see him potentially becoming a solid regular.

Ray A. (San Francisco, CA)

Keith, you seem to be flip-flopping when it comes to Madison Bumgarner. At first you liked him, then his velocity dropped and you hated him, now after he wins a World Series Game at 21 you think he is back again. What's the final verdict with MadBum? What is his ceiling?

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

It's not flip-flopping when his velocity was all over the board. I think he's a solid mid-rotation guy if he can actually hold his late-season velo in 2010 for an entire season. I don't love the arm slot, and I don't think he'll ever recover all of his former velocity, but he can pitch well with a 50 fastball.

Camden (Cali)

Do you ever see Logan Morrison hitting 30 Homers in a season? I know he has not yet hit for much power (or lately) but in 2007 he hit 24 bombs. Also he is a big guy, 6' 3" 235. What do you think? are all those doubles going to begin to creep over the fence sometime soon?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

I do. Hand injuries can sap power for more than a year and I expect him to show more power in 2011.

Eli (Berkeley)

Buster Olney also had Oakland at 3 on his top ten. That's way too high isn't it?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

Maybe a couple too high, but if Brett Anderson is good for 30 starts this year that's an excellent rotation.

Joe (CT)

Belt or Hosmer?

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Hosmer. But that's no slight on Belt.

Scotty G (St. Louis)

Pujols to the Rangers for Kinsler / Cruz / prospects - who says no?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

I would certainly hope St. Louis would say no.

Tim (STL)

How would you rate Lomo's tweet tool? For me, any tweet that can actually make me laugh gets at least a 60. I laugh at his often, so for him I go at least 70.

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

For a ballplayer on Twitter he's an 80.

Craig, Lindsay, Ontario [via mobile]

Hi Keith. Big fan. What am I missing with the Kerry Wood signing. Is it really only 1 year at $1.5. I would have thought others (Yanks) would have gone to at least 2 and 10. What do the Yanks do now? Overspend for Soriano and hope he is enticed by the opportunity to take over from Mo in 2013? With their starters they need to turn games into 6 inning affairs.

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

Did he definitely have a two-year offer anywhere? My theory is that he took the Cubs' offer to go back to a league/park where he had a lot of success to try to rebuild his value and hit the market again next winter when the FA class is weak. The only firm offer I saw from another club was the White Sox, and their home park is a bad place to go for a year to pitch.

Mark (Smithtown)

My kids love Fried Chicken , but my attempts always seem to fall short. I do brine but one of my biggest problems is the outside being done and the inside being underccoked. I know it's not the most healthy food , but do you have any experience with it ?

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

I've only fried whole parts Southern-style, in a cast-iron skillet, one side at a time, over a fairly long fry time (40 minutes?). Alton Brown's recipe from Fry Hard: The Chicken works like a charm with shortening or oil or a mix.

Paddy (St. Louis)

Hey Klaw, if you had a time machine, what player in baseball history would you most want to evaluate? I'd have to choose Satchel.

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

Josh Gibson.

TBall (Virginia)

Keith: Great stuff and perspective. Who do you see as the closer in STL next year? Franklin scares me/Motte intrigues.

Klaw

  (1:52 PM)

I don't think they have the coin but Soriano would be a great, great fit there.

Chris (Dallas, TX)

Who sells the board games on your Top 21 list? Trying to figure out if I can go to a big box retailer or if I need to go online or find a specialty store.

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

Barnes & Noble now has a really good selection of German-style games - usually Settlers, Carcassonne, Dominion, Ticket to Ride, and Alhambra, including some expansions. Otherwise I go to amazon and order there, usually from Art's Game Store within amazon.

Ed (Poconos)

Are there any F/A reliever signings this year that aren't utterly ridiculous?

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

Wood. Wheeler. Ask me again on February 1st and I'll have more answers. The key to succeeding in the reliever market is to wait.

Todd (WI)

A lot of people are saying the Brewers gave up too much in the Greinke deal. Can you please explain that none of the players were superstar caliber, not to mention the fact that we have two first round picks in a loaded draft?

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

I haven't seen that opinion anywhere - the question seems to be whether KC got enough.

Paddy (St. Louis)

Hey Klaw, I just wanted to share my twisted Dodger logic with you as a holiday present. I like Tony Gwynn Jr because he's not Garrett Anderson.

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

I can't argue with that.

Bob (Seattle)

I tried the Ad Hoc recipe for fried chicken using a dutch oven and 1/3 oil. I kept the thermometer in to watch the temperature. The chicken legs came out perfectly when I cooked them 2 at a time - the breasts, not so much.

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

I'm not huge on fried white meat - it tends to dry out too quickly.

Joe (DC)

Is bacon good or what?

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

Yes. Yes it is.

Thomas (Los Angeles)

Did ESPN's baseball staff have a holiday party? Who got drunk and made a fool of themselves?

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

The problem was they invited all our partners' writers and Szymborski ran around with a lampshade on his head shouting "TEH FEAR!" all night.

Zach (Toronto)

Have you read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo...if so, how did you find it

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

I found it at the bookstore.

Doug M. (Milwaukee)

Did I give too much in Lawrie to the Jays for Marcum? Could i have not been able to use Lawrie for a better more established top of the rotation SP?

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

I think you're severely underrating Marcum.

Steve (Middletown, CT)

Hey Keith, I saw your hypothetical HOF ballot on Twitter the other day and noticed no Larry Walker. He seemed to be on an elite path early in his career with the Expos and was still good late in his career with the Cardinals. I know his numbers with Colorado were inflated but you really think that stadium increased his numbers enough that he is not HOF worthy? An above average fielder and baserunner with a .300/.400/.500 line seems pretty elite to me. Just curious to hear how borderline his candidacy is. Thanks.

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

I do think that. Great player, but not elite. Very short peak that was Coors-aided - I think he had one peak year where he didn't have a huge home/road split (1997). I wouldn't call it a travesty if he got it, as Rice was and Morris would be, but I'm a relatively small-Hall guy and Walker is below threshold.

Greg (St Louis )

Hey Keith, any suggestions to throw in while cooking pot roast?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

Anything aromatic - members of the allium family, celery, carrots, green peppers, all kinds of herbs, some whole spices (cinnamon stick?), citrus peels ... have some fun with it.

Colin (Detroit)

2010 saw 7 no-hitters. Whats your over/under for 2011?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

Two.

MJ (NY)

After Andrew Brackman's 2010 season, do you think he can be a big league starter, or is his future in the bullpen?

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

I'm not sure how much work he can handle, but I don't know a non-health reason why he couldn't start.

Rich (Sun Valley, ID.)

Two questions and a food query: * NL Central rotation outlook, rank please. *Your thoughts on where Berkman will end up in 2011 (I'm hoping you don't say "DL". *And on Bison Wellington-would you use any mushroom other than portebellas as the key between the puff pastry and the bison? Happy holidays from Cardinal fans, who in honor of the holidays, are not looking for Klaw offense where none is intended.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, Cubs. I don't see Berkman in LF working out well for St. Louis. I'd definitely experiment with mushrooms ... in cooking, I mean. I use shiitakes in any recipe calling for mushrooms.

Ed (Poconos)

Any advice on finding morel mushrooms off-season?

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Buy them dried.

Greg (NYC)

Did you watch Boardwalk Empire? Anyone tell you you look like a much skinnier version of the guy who plays Al Capone? You're kinda like the Al Capone of the baseball world. Slowly consolidating your power, crushing all those in your way, little patience for those who see things differently.

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

The guy from Snatch? You're the first person to say that. I watched the first six episodes and have the rest on DVR, but I can't watch that when my daughter's home.

Paulo (Maceió, Brazil)

Keith: Where do you place the Royals system historically? Feliz Natal.

Klaw

  (2:12 PM)

Probably the best system for pitching I've seen in the ten years I've been in the business.

Eric Zuckerman (Los Angeles)

Happy Holidays, Keith. Knowing your feelings on the amateur draft and it's unfairness to the players, do you think college players should be paid, or at least be able to take money if someone wants to give it to them?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

They should be paid, above the table, as ordinary income. If college athletes were paid salaries appropriate to the revenues they generate you wouldn't have all these recruiting scandals. I'm wondering if Cam Newton will refuse to declare for the NFL draft because he doesn't want to take a pay cut.

Rick (Portland)

Just finishing building a home. Psyched about the kitchen. What is one tool that you love for cooking that you feel is a must add?

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

Food processor and stand mixer. I use mine constantly.

Garrett (CT)

Would Francis make any sense on a 1 year deal for the Yanks if Pettitte retires?

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

No, not for an AL team.

John (Boston)

Hi Keith - I know Boston is in your rearview mirror, but do you have a favorite restaurant from the area you can share (Blue Ginger?). Can the Red Soax get decent enough production and defense from Salty and Varitek or is another move coming? Thanks

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

Mistral and Toro were the best high-end places I tried.

Eric Flemming (SF)

When do you see Kyle Gibson breaking into the Twins rotation? And what is his ceiling?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

This year. Maybe a two if everything goes right.

Matt (SF)

Just read this at rotoworld: "Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Reds have joined the hunt for free agent outfielder Scott Podsednik." Could there really be a 'hunt' for Podsednik???

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

I suppose in a Most Dangerous Game sort of way.

Scott (Denver)

With all your cooking prowess, do you still eat mcDonald's? Taco Bell?

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

No. Haven't eaten in a Taco Bell in at least five years. I can't believe they even exist in Arizona. With all the silly laws we have, there's not one banning people from eating faux-Mex food in a state where every strip mall has a Mexican restaurant?

Nate (KC)

Why are many HOF voters who don't care about steroids still down on Palmeiro? Doesn't he have what it takes to get in sans the controversy?

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Another accumulator - total black ink for him is 3: Led AL in hits once, in doubles once, and in runs scored once. Never ranked above 9th in the league in OBP. Was top 5 in SLG once (2nd in 1999). As with Walker, there are good arguments for Palmeiro, but it depends largely on your opinion of what is a HoFer, and Palmeiro to me was more of "a good for a long time but never close to great" guy who, oh by the way, was clearly not a good teammate. I don't care about PED usage but I think there's enough other evidence to keep him out.

Paddy (St. Louis)

Ok, you've seen the film Snatch, did you like it? I sort of see the resemblance. Boardwalk Empire gets better, although we need more of the guy that played Omar in The Wire

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Loved it. Sick, twisted, funny, and one of the best endings to any film, ever.

vk (dc)

Seems like the Orioles have fallen out of love with Chris Tillman. Have you?

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

I have not.

ryan (palmyra pa)

which of the 5 tools is hardest to rate?

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

For hitters, the hardest tool is the hit tool. For pitchers, it's command.

Kevin (Burlington, Iowa)

My son is somehow thoroughly fluent in Spanish. Any good suggestions for games that he could play with his Puerto Rican friends? He also is interested in games/movies that were originally in Spanish. Any thoughts?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

The best Spanish-language movie I know is Nueve Reinas, although the Argentine accent was too much for me to decipher and I had to use subtitles.

Tim (NY)

Snatch > Pulp Fiction?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

Oh yes, by far.

Peter (Hartford)

Is there any reasonable (i.e., non-PED) argument for not enshrining Clemens, Bonds, Sosa and Alex Rodriguez in Cooperstown?

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

Clemens, Bonds, and A-Rod should waltz in. They won't, but they should. Sosa's going to be a much tougher sell.

me (here)

Have you tried Wits & Wagers? It's a nice alternative to Trivial Pursuit.

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

Just got a review copy a few days before we left for the holidays.

jay (co)

heh, i thought i was alone in my love of snatch...that came out wrong. Do you see iannetta taking a sttep forward next year?

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

If they play him, yes.

Steve (Joliet)

What separates Marcum from Slowey?

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

Command and the changeup, for starters.

Mike (Rutland, Vt)

Hi Keith,No question today. Just wanted to wish you and your family a joyful and blessed holiday season.

Mike (San Diego)

Thanks for always working OT in chatland. I gave myself Insider access as a Christmas gift and I'm looking forward to getting a lot more of your analysis. Have a great holiday.

Scotty G (St. Louis)

LOVE your work and really look forward to your chats........just wanted to say happy holidays!

TommyBoy (Vero Beach)

Thanks so much for your chats! They are truly the best...Happy Holidays and keep up the great work!

Klaw

  (2:30 PM)

Thank you four, and the rest of you as well for all the questions and your readership throughout the year. Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone. We'll do this again in the New Year.