Klaw

  (1:00 PM)

The ratio of attention to Michael Young trade talks to the actual value of his performance is approaching a number beyond all human comprehension.

ish (NYC)

miss neyer?

Klaw

  (1:00 PM)

Never met her.

Ryan (Boston)

Re: Pettitte and the HoF. So we are all in agreement that voters only care about PED use if it involves muscley hitters blasting homeruns, yes?

Klaw

  (1:01 PM)

You're not giving writers enough credit. It's a complicated calculus, involving other variables like contrition (real and perceived) and ethnicity.

Joey (Oakland)

Shouldn't MLB be looking to add the DH in the NL rather than abolishing it completely? I can't stand watching pitchers trying to hit!

Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

I agree. And if MLB thinks eliminating the DH will save money, they need to take a remedial economics class. The only way it would reduce their costs would be if it also reduces their revenues by making games less interesting.

Steve (Baltimore, MD)

Curious as to your take on Mark Reynolds defense. His UZR/150 was positive last year (+2.5), and being 27, he may be past his fielding prime, but your blog post on the O's/Dbacks trade noted "he's not a good defensive third baseman and never will be". Can we expect somewhere around league-average defense from him this year?

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

A single season of UZR is not a sufficient sample, and it was the first time he was ever positive in that stat for a season. He's a below-average defender.

Chris (NYC)

I was surprised to see you refer to Georger Springer as a RF, is the consensus he cant play CF? Does that leave Bradley and Goodwin as the top CFs this year? Thanks

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

I think he's most likely a RF long-term. Mahtook is also on the CF list.

Nick (Atlanta)

Is Brian McCann of track for a HOF career, or just a really good one?

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

Catchers tend to fade earlier in their careers due to injuries and just general wear and tear. I wouldn't speculate on McCann just yet.

Ben (Leland Grove)

Who do you anticipate being the toughest signs of this year's draft?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

I don't think we have anything close to a full list, but I have already heard major concerns from scouts on Austin Hedges and Johnny Eierman wanting huge numbers. But then again, with the threat of changes to draft bonuses in the new CBA, doesn't every drafted player have a substantial incentive to sign this summer?

Lenny (S-S-S-Storrs, CT)

How did a cold weather school like UConn get so many good players. It's beyond frigid here, even in April.

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

Good recruiting. First priority for a large state school should be to keep the local kids. They've done that, and that should make it easier to do it again going forward.

Matt (NJ)

Keith, various websites have reported that Bryce Harper will likely begin the season in Hagerstown. Is this where you see him starting the season?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

There or Potomac. Could see him starting in Hagerstown with a quick promotion if he tears it up.

Greg (Omaha)

Moose had a big time difference in hitting in AA between home and away. As a Royals fan should I be concerned?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

I'd say "aware" rather than "concerned." It's not like he has no power at all, but that his massive power total for the year was inflated.

Manny (Los Gatos)

Does Sonny Gray slip out of the top 10 because too many GMs still think "small-framed pitchers can't be good in the long run" despite evidence to the contrary posted by Lincecum, Pedro etc?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

I don't think so. It only takes one team/scouting director to disagree, and on talent he's a top 10 guy.

Nick (Topeka)

With Bubba Starling stating he is only going to pitch a few innings this year and instead focus on being a centerfielder, does that lower his draft stock?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Not at all. The only real question is whether he's signable given his two-sport commitment to Nebraska.

Phil K (MD)

You seemed harsher than most about the Orioles' offseason, but I can understand each criticism. Would you like it more if the 1 year contract guys like Vlad/Lee etc were flipped at the deadline for prospects?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Yes, and I made that exact point at length in an answer that wasn't included in the article.

Dan (Washington, DC)

Please tell me Jackie Bradley Jr is good enough to go #6 overall to the Nats. So tired of the Morgan/Bernadina CF garbage!

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

That's a reach for me. Good player, not top 6.

Jibraun (Los Angeles)

I just finished reading "Hot Stove Economics" by Bradbury. In it, Bradbury argues that the popularized use of replacement level statistics (e.g. WAR and VORP) is misguided because talent distribution in the majors tends to be distributed normally. What are your thoughts on that assertion?

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

I've seen the arguments and I disagree with Bradbury. Talent is not normally distributed. Not only does that not bear out statistically, it also doesn't bear out when scouting.

Adam (Stamford's City Limits)

If you're the Cardinals, do you pay pujols $33mm for 10 years?

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

Absolutely not. Ten years takes him at least through his age-41 season.

Phil (NJ)

Did you check out "Scorecasting"? If so, what did you think? Did you have any input in "Baseball Between the Numbers"?

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

I've got 30 pages left in "The Tailor of Panama," and "Scorecasting" is next.

Karl Pilkington (Earth)

Have you felt increased pressure being the Ace Of The Staff now that Neyer brought his Veteran Presence to SB Nation?

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

I just have to play it one chat at a time.

Casey (Sandy Eggo, Ca)

Hey Keith, I never see your chats when they're live so I have a few questions as you're one of my favorite baseball analysts. Anyways, you have often said (and it's pretty obvious) that Justin Masterson can't get lefties out. When a pitcher has a problem like that, what is the issue? Arm angle? specific out pitches? Is his make up so unique that the problem is unsolvable?

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

In his case, it's arm slot. LHB get too good of a look at the ball. For some pitchers it's lack of a changeup or splitter, or a repertoire of pitches all moving in towards LH hitters. I can't see this resolving for Masterson, not as a starter where hitters get 3 looks a game at him.

Scott (SD)

Were you suprised at the lack of offseason activity by the Giants in terms of getting some offense? I was surprised they didn't do much. I thought with the extra playoff income they may use some of that. Unless they are stockpiling it for when their young fellas reach time for their paydays coming up? Posey, Cain, Lincecum again, Baumgarner?

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

Looks like they're going to stick with what got 'em there last year. Happens often. Doesn't usually work out. Brandon Belt could be their savior, though.

Dave (Conn.)

Loved 'Tailor of Panama' and ditto with most of LeCarre, despite his obviously Anti-American leanings. Just a great writer and story-teller.

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

If you're going to be anti-American, at least back it up. He hates our foreign policy, not our people or our culture.

Dave (Brisbane, Australia)

I think Bernard Gilkey belongs in the hall of fame - saw him play once and he was awesome! If you disagree, you're clearly just an egg-head communist!

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Stop tweeting in my chat.

Brian (NYC)

Kieth, the Red Sox just signed a New Zealand softball catcher. Is there any history of softball players succeeding in MLB?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

None. Doesn't mean he can't figure it out, but the next breaking ball he sees will be his first.

matt (cleveland)

Would you start out Pomeranz at Akron right out of the gate?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

No. Command isn't that advanced.

Norman (San Jose)

are you a fan of Francisco Lindor's? who do you take between Machado and Lindor?

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

Yes. Machado, but it's close. Wildly different players though. It's hard not to like Lindor because of how he plays.

Brando (Valpo)

It always seems that rookies who blow up on the scene like Posey and Heyward, tend to regress a little in their 2nd seasons. Do you see this happening with these 2??

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

It's a perception issue most of the time. The rookies who "blow up" are the ones we notice because things went their way - a few extra line drives fell in, a few bad pitches found fielders' gloves - and the next year, when the randomness that favored those players shows its fickleness, the players seem to have regressed when in fact their underlying skill sets haven't changed. So when Danny Valencia "regresses," it's not a "sophomore slump" but a return to his true talent level. Posey and Heyward are so talented, though, that I think they'll both remain top-tier players.

Phil (NJ)

Where do you think Francisco Liriano is pitching in August 2011?

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

Minnesota. I have seen the reports that they're open to offers, but it makes no sense for them to move him. They're not the favorites but they are clear contenders in that division, and they'd be hard-pressed to replace him if they deal him.

BD (Baltimore, MD)

Keith, re the Orioles interview you mentioned earlier: I never you to be one who cared about batter strikeouts, but you are critical of Mark Reynolds? Is it his generalcontact rate that scares you, or what?

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

Again, the gist of the response was lost in the article. I don't care about strikeouts per se, but approach (bad) and contact rate (bad).

Jason (St Louis)

How were so many people wrong on Brett Wallace's bat?

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

My theory is that we were all so wrapped up in discussing his position, defense, and body type that we took the bat question for granted. And he did perform as an amateur even against good pitching.

Joey (Oregon)

It sounds like Jake Locker might play baseball after all due to the NFL having a lock out year next year.

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Never seen him play myself, but scouts who saw him in HS raved. Could end up a minor coup for the Angels if that happens.

Jason (St Louis)

Have you seen the word that CC lost 30 lbs? Where's that put him, about 270? I mean, come on, he's still huge. how much can it help?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

And don't some big guys who lose weight struggle a little right afterwards? That could be a myth - I've never seen it studied - but I've certainly heard it around the game.

Joe (Chicago)

Does the departure of Vernon Wells mean Bautista goes back to LF and A. Hill moves to third to make room for Brett Lawrie? If not then replaces Wells in the starting Toronto outfield?

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

I get variations of this question quite often, and I don't get it. One, Lawrie ain't ready, and why rush him? Two, Hill's an outstanding defensive 2b; why move him for Lawrie, who might be an average defender there?

Keith (Work)

Last year you had Nick Hagadon in your top 100 list, this year he wasn't even in the top 10 for the Indians, a fairly weak list. What made him drop that far and what kind of player do you see him becoming?

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

Alarming loss of control. Reliever, stuff to be a good one, if he throws strikes again.

Eric Flemming (SF)

What happened to Tim Alderson?

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

Lost his velo. Good article from Tim Keown on the subject here on ESPN earlier in the week.

JB (NY)

Hi Keith, you still have Angelo and Blais as the runaway favorites? I noticed you had Reese Havens as the Mets #3 prospect, but not as a candidate to jump into your top 100 next year? Low ceiling? Too far away? Just curious. thanks

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

Low ceiling, has to show he can stay healthy. Like him, don't love him ... poor man's Kipnis, maybe? Hard to talk about Top Chef favorites and exclude Carla.

Andy Mc (Kitchener-Waterloo, ON)

Keith, of the Jays' 2010 Draft pitching selections, who do you see as having the highest upside? I know you ranked Aaron Sanchez at #99, but others such as Noah Syndergaard and Asher Woj. stand out as well. What about their "second tier" picks, like Griffin Murphy and Mitchell Taylor? Do they look like future impact guys to you?

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

Sanchez has the highest upside (hence the ranking) and the one future impact guy of the group. They took other guys I liked, but they're more middle/back of the rotation types.

peter (snowed in CT)

Capital of Uruguay....no searches or outside references.

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

Montevideo. What was the point of this?

Scott (NH)

What do you think of Eric Thames in the Jays system? He tore up AA, setting NH records for HRs and RBIs - a very tough league for hitters, particularly up north where he plays his home games.

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

And a good home park for LHB. Extra guy at best.

Keith (MO)

Might be a little far fetched but how about the Royals signing Pujols? They have tons of payroll space, would add instant credibility and provide the ultimate veteran presence for their young team.

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

You're absolutely right - it might be a little far fetched. Or it might be totally insane.

Jim (Alaska)

Keith, do you think Wieters can put up the numbers you suggested he might reach last year in the power numbers?

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

I do.

Jason (Bmore)

I think the point was you wanted to once again point out your intelligence by answering that question, no?

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

Naming the capital of one country points out someone's intelligence? Talk about bad proxies.

gregg (d.c.)

how much of laporta's troubles can be attributed to injuries? reports that he's healthy and in better shape have me cautiously optimistic, but the cleveland-fan in me fears he's just not that good...

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

Injuries and weird usage when he first came up. I never saw him as a star, but an above-average guy? Sure.

Gabe (Iowa)

Long-term? Hellickson or Chacin

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

Hellickson.

Kent (NY)

Keith, "who hangs up first...", did you ever hang up on anyone while with TOR? I hate that phrase.

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

I was never the one making or taking those calls, but I don't believe JPR ever hung up on anyone like that. I know of one such story; the hang-ee was Jim Bowden but I won't say who hung up on him.

Matt (Denver)

Just checked in, but wanted to follow up on an earlier question. Wouldn't overall baseball talent be normally distributed, but because MLB talent comes from the FAR right tail, it would not be normally distributed unless something was really wrong with the market?

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

Well at some point, as you move left on the curve, you reach a point where every remaining human being has zero talent, right? I guess it doesn't matter for the question of talent in MLB.

Robert (Vancouver)

IMHO, The Tailor Of Panama is a cheap rip off of Our Man In Havana, which is also a better read.

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

I have had the identical reaction. Havana was funnier, too.

John (Austin, TX)

With the news that KC is officially moving Myers to RF, how does that impact his prospect ranking? Moving off a premium position should knock him down, but then again he's now probably at least a year closer to the ML and he projected as a below avg catcher anyway.

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

He needed work as a catcher, but his bat will move quicker now that he's not working so much on defense. I knew this was coming so I factored it into the ranking.

Jack (New York, NY)

Favorite Dominion card besides Throne Room?

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

Market.

Bret (Toronto)

Some Jays bloggers have discussed a comparison of Darin Mastroianni and Brett Gardner, mostly based off minor league numbers and age, as well as both being described as great defenders. Think that comparison is crazy?

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

Yes.

Charlie (Bethesda, MD)

Is there a good defensive stat for annual performance, since UZR seems to not work so well?

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

I don't think the problem is with UZR, but with sample sizes. I like UZR quite a bit, but am wary of relying on it too heavily (or single-season fWAR, for that matter) because of the sample size issues.

Doug (Cincy)

Who do you like more Wood or Leake, this season and long term?

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

Leake, if healthy.

Clay (Normal, IL)

Klaw, is Logan Forsythe's dip in offensive numbers last year largely due to the move to 2B? Expect a bounce back this year?

Klaw

  (1:42 PM)

Very disappointing year even factoring in the great pitchers' park where he played. But I will hold out hope for another year - good swing, good approach, and had no real trouble moving to 2b.

David (Va Beach)

Likelihood of an "ace" type starter dropping to the Cubs at 9? Are Jungmann and Gray "aces" to you, or any of the HS guys?

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

This is the year where an ace will be there at 9. College guys alone who project as 1s or 2s: Cole, Gray, Purke, Jungmann, Barnes, Jed Bradley, Alex Meyer (well, on stuff, at least), maybe Bauer, Hultzen. Then add 5-6 HS guys. Everyone is really excited about this draft class, for good reason.

Joseph (Sacramento, CA)

KLaw, when do you have some 2011 Draft info coming out? Thanks.

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

Next Thursday. Working on a preseason top 50 right now.

brian (brooklyn)

You were pretty harsh on Reese Havens in the past (IIRC after seeing him in the AFL). Obviously #3 is a weak org isnt a ringing endorsement but have you warmed to him somewhat after your initial reaction?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

That wasn't my initial reaction - I'd seen him multiple times over 2+ years before that. It's more about the organization than about him.

Laurence (Sydney)

Hi Keith, apologies if I don't express myself well here but I am not a statistician. I have been wondering if there is any value in examining non-linear distributions in baseball - for instance (and obviously this ignores numerous variables), is it there more incremental value in replacing a 4.50 ERA pitcher with a 3.50 ERA one than in replacing a 1.50 ERA pitcher with a 0.50 ERA one? Since giving away 1.5 runs/9 innings should win you most games anyway, the marginal value of improving from there would be less than the same improvement in the range where you would expect to be scoring. Have I missed something obvious here?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

I believe that value is nonlinear, yes.

Vincent Duncan (Boston, Mass)

Whats all the buzz on Xander Bogaerts? Any chance he stays at SS and goes up to Low-A?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

Five tool potential but most likely at 3b long-term. Low-A seems like a stretch at least to start the year.

Joe (Oak Park, IL)

Is Jared Mitchell's poor showing in the AFL something to worry about, or can we chalk it up to being rusty?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

I'll go with rust. Not giving up on him.

Michael Young (Texas (for now))

How much more public complaining can I do before the narrative of me being the consummate professional starts to fall apart? Or is it unlimited due to my gritty whiteness?

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

It would be better for everyone if these narratives never started, wouldn't it?

Will (Notre Dame, IN)

Keith, it seems obvious to me that most (if not all) non-contending clubs (and even some contenders) would be better off sacrificing one FA signing (e.g. Orioles and Vladl) and allocating these funds to going overslot in the draft. Why is this process not more widespread?

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

My theory is ownership pressure to generate revenues/interest now. Doesn't usually work, though.

Chris (DC)

I knew it was coming soon, but Top Chef got a little less entertaining after last night.

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

Agreed. At least it was fully justified - there wasn't much question whose dish was the worst.

BVH (Toronto)

Following up on the "ace" starter question, how deep do the potential all-star bats run in the 2011 draft?

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

Not as deep. Fair group, but not outstanding. Better for potential everyday guys who aren't stars.

Jason (NJ)

Mets prospect question: Some were surprised by your ranking of Darrell Ceciliani as the 6th best Mets prospect. Is that a vote for Ceciliani or a knock on guys like Familia/Aderlin Rodriguez/? Does Ceciliani have a good chance of being a solid MLB CF?

Klaw

  (1:52 PM)

I liked Ceciliani. And Familia - it's big stuff and no clue.

Mike (NY)

Would you consider working for an MLB team as a scouting director?

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

No.

Tom (Denver)

Do you agree that Matzek prospected out as a reliever without some of the mechanical changes or are the Rockies just screwing him up?

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

Who on earth thought he projected as a reliever? That's crazy talk.

JB (Dallas)

Heading to any tournaments next weekend for the opening of the college baseball season?

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

Couple of options but probably not a major tourney.

Jason (St Louis)

Would you consider being a guest judge on Top Chef?

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

Of course, but their typical guest judge is a big-time chef, not a small-time sportswriter.

Jim (Ohio)

Carlos Carrasco believer?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

No. I rarely bust this out but I think he's soft, pitches tentatively, doesn't respond well to adversity on the mound. Guys like that might succeed in very favorable environments (good pitchers' park, very good defense) but in general I'm a skeptic.

Greg (DC)

Did I miss the memo saying it's time to give up on Brett Wallace as a hitter after 144 MLB ABs?

Klaw

  (1:57 PM)

You may have missed what I wrote about him earlier in the week, though.

adam (independence)

whats your take on korean food. never seen you mention it on your blogs.

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

I think I've had it only two or three times. I did go to a Korean dumpling place in NYC right before Christmas (first time I had bibimbap) that was outstanding. Mandoo on 32nd. I don't know the cuisine that well, but everything we had was excellent.

Jay (New York, NY)

Wow, did you just pull out an, umm, "intangible" to describe Carlos Carrasco? Next thing we'll hear you describe someone as not being feared enough.

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

I just recorded an interview with Ken Broo of WLW in Cincinnati where I talked about that - there are "intangibles" that are tangible because they show up in the performance record. The intangibles that are used to explain why a guy is better than his stat line indicates ... I have no time for that woo.

BD (DC)

Thoughts on food carts? Is this just a regional thing here in the DC area or do you have them out your way as well?

Klaw

  (2:01 PM)

That's the big trend, isn't it? Hasn't really hit the Phoenix area. I need to try this waffle cart in NYC that I keep hearing about, though. Really, I need to visit NYC again. I'm way behind on my assigned eating.

Mike (San Diego)

Are there any types of food you won't try or do you keep an open mind when you are eating new food?

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

I was a horrible eater until my mid-20s, and slowly started to branch out in grad school. But the eye-opener for me was in 2000 when a colleague dragged me for a business lunch with a potential customer (this is before I was in baseball) and we ended up at a sushi place. I'd never had it and had the typical "RAW FISH?!!?!?" reaction ... except that I liked it. A lot. And I know now it wasn't even great sushi, because I've had better. But it changed my approach not just to food but to other things, to stop being so damn closed-minded about everything because I might miss out on so much of life.

Dave (Somerville, MA)

I thought Top Chef hints and spoilers were off limits for the chat? C'mon, Klaw.

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Fallon spoiled it all on Twitter last night. I figured this week we're fair game.

ethan (denver)

i really love your work (and blog), but in an espn chat do we really need all the food talk? especially things like "do you like [fill in the blank]?" sorry to complain, i just feel like i'm in a meeting that has gone totally off topic.

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

I appreciate the props, but this is how I like to run the chats - lots of topics, no real direction, almost anything goes.

Not Klaw (Chicago)

So I got a food processor for a wedding gift and I don't know what to use it for beside pie crust...plz help

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Pesto.

Jim (Boston)

Where do you come down in the Matt Cain vs. FIP/xFIP debate?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

On Cain's side. I believe that lowering HR/FB is a skill at least for some pitchers.

Terry (Boston)

Could buchholz see an uptick in his Ks this season like Lester saw from 08 to 09?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

Yes. I always thought he had swing-and-miss stuff, especially the changeup.

Mike (San Diego)

Food processors are also money in the bank when it comes to making homemade hummus.

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

Or slicing large amounts of vegetables (like cabbage for slaw). Or grinding nuts - grind up almonds, season trout, dredge in the nuts, pan-fry. I use mine constantly. And, of course, I was completely derisive about it when we first got it as a gift in '96 or '97 ("What are we going to use that for?"). Fail.

Chad (STL)

KLaw - I'm getting married in July, and obviously am going to register for the typical kitchen stuff. Do you have any unique suggestions that I wouldn't register for typically, that would be something great in the kitchen?

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

Congratulations. Start practicing nodding your head while thinking about something else. How about a Le Creuset Dutch oven?

Jeff (Detroit)

You write a lot about meat, but what do you know about kale? I needed kale for a recipe and now I have a lot leftover. What the kale can I do with kale fairly quickly that is edible?

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

I cut it up and saute it with bacon (or chorizo) and garlic. I think Michael Ruhlman has a fried kale recipe on his site.

Terry (Boston)

What's your view on Tyler Flowers now?

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Didn't see him in '10 but all reports had him going backwards. Didn't have much room for error defensively.

MRA (Pasadena)

Wait a second ... according to "many reputable sources," giving Pujols a 10 year deal will take him through his 43rd or 44th birthday. How dare you believe his age to be 31 KLAW after he has received a passport from the US Gov't.

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

I think Neyer addressed this as well - enough people within the industry doubt Pujols' listed age that, if you're the Cardinals, you have to at least consider the possibility that it's wrong. Maybe it's 10%, maybe you run some simulations with multiple DOBs, but it would be irresponsible to see-no-evil when you're talking about a $200MM investment.

Mark (Maine)

Who will be the Jason Heyward of this season?

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

I don't see one coming. But I'll call Freeman the preseason RoY favorite.

dave (erie, pa)

Billy Hamilton of the reds is starting to get alot of attention, with some people saying he could even steal 100 bases, what do you think of him?

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

I would love to see someone steal 100 bases, but I don't think he's that guy.

gregg (d.c.)

do you still project alex white as a likely reliever? and what are the most likely outcomes for pomeranz and knapp? can both be 2/3's?

Klaw

  (2:12 PM)

Reliever, starter, starter-if-his-arm-stays-attached. Knapp has at least number 2 ceiling but no one feels confident about his ability to go 30+ starts a year.

Christian (San Diego)

I have a friend that immigrated from Iran and his birth date is off by a year, he has a passport.

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

Am I wrong in assuming that the DOB in those situations is based on a foreign birth certificate that may not be accurate?

preston (birmingham)

I didn't think you were that high on freeman, is that indiciative of an otherwise sub-par group of rookies coming up this year?

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

He has a job. Very few rookie position players have firm locks on full-time jobs now. The others are mostly catchers who will only play 120-130 games a year and not get the bulk stats typically needed to win the award.

Michael Choice (Oakland)

Where do you see me in 2011?

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

You finish the summer in AA.

Scot (TX)

Hamilton's last 2 arb years bought out for $24 mil. Seems reasonable.

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

Definitely.

JB (Dallas)

Do you think Jason Esposito could play up the middle as a pro?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

I think 3b is his best spot, but I wouldn't be shocked to see someone try him at 2b.

Chris (NJ)

Hey Keith,Completely non-baseball question for you: I seem to recall you mentioning you had taken a vacation to Iceland not too long ago. You may have even had a post about it on the dish. Am I correct, or confusing you with someone else? I can't seem to find anything on the dish about it.My gf and I are thinking of going there this summer, and I'd like to hear about your experience (likes/dislikes/food/etc.).

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

Yes, and it's the lost post - I did write it up, and it disappeared when my WP DB was corrupted maybe 2 years ago. Email me and I'll answer you offline.

Scott (Chicago)

Was Milledge worth a flier for the Sox? What should the do with Viciedo?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

Yes. I won't buy Viciedo until he shows some semblance of plate discipline.

Mike (SLO)

I've always wanted a screenshot of what it looks like on the other side of these chats. Could you do that?

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

http://twitpic.com/3ydetb

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

Thanks for all the questions - I'll be back next week once the top 50 draft prospects list is posted.