Klaw

  (12:03 PM)

Just one second - writing a quick blurb on Fukudome...

Klaw

  (12:06 PM)

OK, I'm on the clock today - we start recording the podcast at 1 pm Eastern.

Rick (Toronto)

Is Anthopoulos that good or is the Cards GM that dumb?

Klaw

  (12:08 PM)

Anthopoulos is good. Mozeliak is not "dumb" - far from it, as he's very bright. But he was backed into a corner AND it looks to me like he has less authority relative to his manager than most GMs. (Reagins might be in a similar situation.) I understand that there's an inclination here to bash Mo, but take one step back and you can see where he might have done the best he could given the constraints of his job.

Alex (Philly)

The Astros reportedly turned down a deal where they would receive Cosart, Singleton and another prospect and they would trade Pence to the Phillies, what else do they want? and will Amaro ultimately ante up and give the Astros what they ask for?

Klaw

  (12:09 PM)

I'm not sure I believe that story, since as much as I mock Ed Wade for being one of the game's least effective GMs, even he would have to recognize that deal as good value. However, if it's true, doesn't it indicate that the Phillies share my concern about Cosart's ability to hold up as a starter?

DB (Olathe)

What is the most obnoxious card in Dominion (including all expansions)?

Klaw

  (12:09 PM)

Saboteur, right?

Jeff (Chicago)

The White Sox are pushing Addison Reed pretty hard. What potential & stuff does he have?

Klaw

  (12:09 PM)

Should be pushing him - touching 99, sitting mid-90s, could help them this year in the pen.

Fletch (Ft. Lauderdale)

Thoughts on Daniel Murphy? Big league regular or good bench bat? He looks great at the plate this year, but is atrocious in the field.

Klaw

  (12:09 PM)

That's basically it. If you can find a place where you can live with the glove, he's a regular or better.

CC (Atlanta)

Wheeler for 2 months of Beltran? Can't imagine what SF is thinking. Even with Carlos that offense still stinks. And they traded an elite P prospect! Surely you aren't a fan of this move.

Klaw

  (12:10 PM)

In the abstract, I like the Giants adding Beltran a lot. I just don't like the cost.

DB (Greenwich, CT)

It looks like the Mets won't trade Izzy, which seems kind of silly, but is it sometimes in the FO's best interest to keep around a player who wants to stay, instead of shipping him off for a very minimal return?

Klaw

  (12:11 PM)

This doesn't bother me that much - as you said, they're not going to get much back anyway.

Matt ((Little Rock))

Can Marc Rzepczynski be a solid starter for the Cardinals next year? If you say no, I think you hate the Cardinals

Klaw

  (12:11 PM)

No. Not with that delivery.

Ray A. (San Francisco, CA)

What do you think of Giants reliever prospect Heath Hembree?

Klaw

  (12:11 PM)

I think he's their next closer when the Beard fails - or the replacement for Romo when Romo takes over as closer.

Jim (Hudson, MA)

I'm heading to the Cape League All Star game on Friday, any prospects I should look out for? Thanks

Klaw

  (12:12 PM)

I'll see you there. I have not looked at the rosters, but that is typically the best guys on the Cape already selected for you. In other words, look at everyone.

Marc (IN)

If the E-Jax/Teahen dump is their only move the White Sox did pretty poorly, no?

Klaw

  (12:13 PM)

I say yes. I did talk to a GM who said he thought they did really well to clear Teahen's contract and add two good arms, but I disagree just because it made them worse for 2011.

Ari (Toronto)

So if you're AA, do you just DFA Teahen today? Or is their potential value in that corpse?

Klaw

  (12:15 PM)

I'd DFA him - I don't think he's worth the roster spot. Joe Sheehan argued in his newsletter this morning that the Jays are in position to hold him for a while and see if he can establish himself as having some value as a bench bat. I can't argue with that logic unless they end up in a roster crunch.

Chris (Pgh)

A few reports suggested Neal Huntington is overvaluing his prospects. Outside of Taillon, Allie, Heredia, should he deem anyone else in the system untouchable? I would think not if they truly consider themselves buyers.

Klaw

  (12:16 PM)

I argued on Twitter a week ago that neither Allie (20-yo probable reliever in short-season ball) nor Heredia (16-yo with huge upside in the GCL who is maybe 4-5 years away and very high risk) should be "untouchable." The bigger issue for the Pirates is that they're not that good of a team, and trading real prospects for veterans might be chasing an illusion.

Anthony (NYC)

I know it's GCL, but Bichette Jr has been excellent (including great plate discipline) - are those #s somewhat meaningless?

Klaw

  (12:17 PM)

Totally meaningless. With most quality draftees not signing until August 15th, the caliber of play in the two complex leagues is atrocious right now. Bichette probably feels like he's still playing HS ball.

Tom (LA)

You have Jean Segura quite high in your mid-season top 50 even though he's played very little. Any chance he comes back soon and if not does he fall right out of the top 50?

Klaw

  (12:18 PM)

I'm not going to drop a guy just because he's suffered a non-chronic injury. If a pitcher tears his labrum, that's another story, but Segura's skill set should remain intact.

Pierce (Tulsa, OK)

Is Trevor Rosenthal a potential #3 starter?

Klaw

  (12:20 PM)

High-effort guy, secondary stuff is just average, real choppy arm action. Might be a power reliever.

Fredi Gonzalez (Atlanta)

Hey Klaw, I just sacrificed your chat to 2nd base. Your welcome.

Klaw

  (12:21 PM)

Yeah, but Clint Hurdle just intentionally walked the Baseball Today podcast, so there.

Kyle (NY)

Heyward or Trout long term....

Klaw

  (12:21 PM)

Love both, but with Heyward showing that he might be injury-prone I'm giving a slight edge to Trout. I think Heyward's injury is affecting his swing now.

Rob (LI)

How does the Mets farm system look now that they have 4 solid pitching prospects in Wheeler, Harvey, Familia and Mejia, along with decent OF prospects (Vaughn, Den Dekker, Puello) and very intriguing INF prospects in Valdespin, Flores, Marte and Aderlin Rodriguez? Not to mention Brandon Nimmo hasn't signed yet

Klaw

  (12:24 PM)

You MIGHT be overrating a few of those guys. Wheeler and Harvey are top-shelf, but I'm not sure if any of the others (Mejia's not eligible) would make my top 100 right now.

Kevin (MN)

How dumb would the Twins have to be to trade Span for a reliever?

Klaw

  (12:24 PM)

It's not the optimal strategy.

Alex (Austin)

Who is deciding if the Giants 1b job is Huff or Belt- Bochy or Sabean? And how do we convince them on Belt?

Klaw

  (12:24 PM)

It's a magic 8-ball that Sabean secretly rigged so that every side says "play Huff."

Byron (Portland)

How long do you give a top prospect to produce at the major league level before you really worry he's a AAAA player?

Klaw

  (12:25 PM)

On average, I'd like to see at least a year and a half to two years of performance before I'd give up on a guy I liked from a scouting perspective.

Pierce (Tulsa, OK)

Does Yonder Alonso project to be better than an average regular in the majors?

Klaw

  (12:25 PM)

At first, absolutely. In left, I'm skeptical.

SteveFitz (Chicago, IL)

2 prospects for Fukudome are Carlton Smith and Abner Abreu. Anything to get excited about or blah?

Klaw

  (12:27 PM)

I just filed a short blog post on this, but the quick answer is that it's probably nothing to get excited about.

Mike (San Diego)

Just so you know, the current klawthoughts pie tweets are fantastic.

Klaw

  (12:29 PM)

They do a great job of parodying me. Several of my current favorite Twitter accounts are parodies, including that one, FauxJSterling, and TrippingOlney (although I don't know how Buster feels - I hope he's flattered).

Rob (LI)

Those guys may not be top 100 guys yet...BUT Flores and Valdespin have to be top 100 guys next year right?

Klaw

  (12:30 PM)

Have you seen Valdespin? I have never seen a big league hitter succeed with a leak that bad. Maybe he can fix it - Ryan Zimmerman had one in college and even when he first reached the majors, but not half as bad as Valdespin's - but I'm not betting on it.

Jeff Sullivan (Belchertown MA)

What's your take on Victor Roache? Top ten next year?

Klaw

  (12:31 PM)

I'll see him tomorrow, but I know John Birtwell really likes him. If you haven't seen John's stuff on the draft blog, check it out - he's a former minor league pitcher who coached in the Marlins system and is helping me out this year on the Cape. He has Roache and Appel as the best hitter & pitcher he's seen so far.

BD (DC)

Are you concerned about Derek Norris at all? .218 average in AA, but OPS still over .800

Klaw

  (12:34 PM)

Not a great year, but I think he'll be fine. Weird year, with periods of normal production interrupted by long dry spells - 6-for-45 to start the year, three streaks of 0-for-18+. I don't know what that means, but I do know I don't see it very often in prospects who are otherwise productive.

Alex (Austin)

Schulman is arguing that Huff's defense is pretty good this year. He's using his patented avoid stats and 'watch the games' defense.

Klaw

  (12:35 PM)

Well, as someone who's watched the games and argued all of last year that the stats that said Huff was good on D were misleading, I respectfully disagree with Hank.

Jared (NJ)

Keith, Mason Williams has really impressed me this year. I know you said that you think he will fill out so my question is if he does, what type of player can he be

Klaw

  (12:36 PM)

Talked to another scout who saw that club last week - he loved Williams too, raved about Gumbs' bat speed although it's his only real tool, and was down on Culver (mostly his LH swing). I think Williams has a chance to be ... actually, the player I think Colby Rasmus will be. Hits for average, runs well, plays good D in CF, hits maybe 20-25 HR.

Nando (Gilbert, AZ)

Nice pie! Did you use fresh peaches or canned? Does Josh Reddick now look "fixed" enough to profile as an average MLB OF with some pop or is he still a small sample illusion?

Klaw

  (12:37 PM)

Fresh, of course. They're in season. Tiny sample.

Pierce (Tulsa, OK)

Jason Motte for Heath Bell....fair deal?

Klaw

  (12:37 PM)

At that point, San Diego should hold Bell for the picks.

Steve (KC)

Supposedly, the Royals are shopping Frenchy more than Melky but seem to want to try and keep both. Isn't that absurd, considering how Cain is playing in AAA?

Klaw

  (12:37 PM)

It's absurd, considering how Frenchy and Melky are actually not very good.

Mickey (Boston)

Ryan Lavarnway is MASHING at AAA right now. The Red Sox think he can catch in the bigs, you think he certainly cannot. Are they posturing or are you being overly tough on the guy?

Klaw

  (12:38 PM)

If I had any scout anywhere tell me he thought Lavarnway could catch in the big leagues, I would tell you that and would offer more optimism. I don't talk to every scout or every team, but so far, no one is buying him behind the plate.

Kelly Leake (The Valley)

Any word if Boston has a deal with Swinhart has a deal with Boston? He seems like their toughest sign among their first four rounds worth of picks.

Klaw

  (12:38 PM)

That question will be settled on August 15th.

Mark (Staten Island)

Which catcher is closer to the bigs, Mesoraco or Wilin Rosario?

Klaw

  (12:39 PM)

Mesoraco. Better player, too.

Matt (NJ)

Best non-cosart phillies pitching prospect?

Klaw

  (12:39 PM)

Trevor May.

Anthony (NYC)

What are your thoughts on Cote and Cave - 2 potential NYY signees?

Klaw

  (12:40 PM)

I like Cote more - and I hear they're very close to a deal with him. Better projection, very raw.

Chris (NY)

Apparently the Mets had a deal in place with the Indians before Beltran exercised his no-trade clause. Do you know who they would or should have gotten if that deal went through?

Klaw

  (12:40 PM)

First I've heard of that, sorry. What a downgrade from Beltran to Fukudome.

Fred Sanford (Watts, CA)

I saw Williams Jerez at my AARP meeting yesterday. Just sayin'

Klaw

  (12:41 PM)

The Red Sox swear up and down he's the age he says he is. I am obviously proof that the eye test on age can fail, but Jerez' whole story is a strange one.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

Gotta love the Cleveland Plain Dealer's spin on the trade, "The Indians will get Fukudome when he's hot. He's hitting .429 (6-for-14) in his last seven games."

Klaw

  (12:42 PM)

I hope they don't put the A/C on during his flight to Cleveland.

Eric (Fresno CA)

Any chance Matt Moore gets a Sept. callup?

Klaw

  (12:43 PM)

I'm assuming only if they have a real need, which right now they don't. If they trade someone this weekend, it becomes more likely.

Ari (Toronto)

Would a Kyle Drabek, Eric Thames, and Henderson Alvarez offer be in the ballpark for Ubaldo Jimenez?

Klaw

  (12:43 PM)

I'm not a Thames guy, but on balance that seems like a lot of value for Colorado.

Tom (CA)

What are your thoughts on Garrett Richards, 4-5 starter or better? Also, are you a fan of Bell X1? Great band + you gotta love the name, being as they are from Ireland!

Klaw

  (12:44 PM)

Better. #1 stuff, but you can't be a

Jason (St Louis)

Have you heard any whispers in the background about Ubaldo maybe being hurt or something that they are so determined to move him?

Klaw

  (12:44 PM)

Nothing that specific, just the skepticism you'd expect when a guy loses a few mph off his fastball and his team is exploring the trade market.

S R (NYC)

So would the Mets top 4 pitching prospects be considered among the best in baseball at this point? Clearly how Mejia recovers and if Familia can be something better than a reliever are relevant concerns. How impressed are you with Alderson's ability so far to turn over from the Minaya era?

Klaw

  (12:46 PM)

Vizcaino, Teheran, Delgado, and basically any other ATL pitching prospect > the Mets' front four.

Sports Hui (Seattle)

How much have TB and Tor exposed the Orioles "sign veterans and bury our prospects" strategy? Seems like they've set themselves up to be the cellar dwellers in the Al East for years to come.

Klaw

  (12:46 PM)

I hear again and again that MacPhail is gone after this year, most likely by resigning. They're not in good long-term shape, and that is a shame because a year or two ago they were really on track.

Byron (Portland)

With Baltimore, there's also the mystery of why all their young arms lose velocity.

Klaw

  (12:48 PM)

Yes, that's a huge part of the question - arguably the first thing I'd want to answer if I walked in that door as the next GM. Replacing staff isn't enough if you don't know what current processes are causing the issue.

Jason (St Louis)

Do you think Miller, Martinez, Jenkins and whoever is also better than the Mets top four pitching prospects?

Klaw

  (12:49 PM)

Swagerty. Yes.

David (Boston)

Hi Keith. I caught a few innings of the Orleans v. YD Cape league game last week. The starter for YD was clocket consistently from 93 - 96. I know this isn't a ton of info. to go on, but any idea who this could have been? Unfortunately I wasn't able to stick around to find out.

Klaw

  (12:50 PM)

I'm guessing Mark Appel. He's on YD and that's his velo. Good frame too. Delivery needs some cleanup, and Stanford pitchers do not exactly have a great track record of health in pro ball, but the size and arm strength make him a top 5 pick candidate for next year.

Andrew (Centereach, NY)

Will the Braves regret not giving up Minor for Beltran? With Mcann out for 3+ weeks can they hold on to the WC lead?

Klaw

  (12:50 PM)

No way I give up Minor for Beltran.

wes (Oakland, CA)

Keith, any opinions on Green's Defense in Center field yet?

Klaw

  (12:52 PM)

Way too soon to say anything - have to give him some time to learn the position. But I see no physical reason why he couldn't be above-average or better - +5/year, at least.

Betzalel (Williamsburg)

I haven't heard anything about Gary Sanchez in awhile and noticed he's out of your top 50 - what gives?

Klaw

  (12:55 PM)

Suspended twice for attitude issues and awful on defense this year according to multiple scouts. He wasn't in my preseason top 50 either, though, so he would have had to improve to get into it.

Kyle (Toronto)

The Rasmus deal was obviously a no-brainer for Toronto. Do you think AA still would have pulled the trigger if he had to part with Drabek instead of Stewart? Sleepless night?

Klaw

  (12:56 PM)

I think so. Can't speak for him.

Mike (San Diego)

I'm excited for all of the critics of Colby Rasmus' defense to get to watch Jon Jay play every day in CF.

Klaw

  (12:56 PM)

Indeed.

Jamie (Canada)

Thoughts on Matt Davidson, seems to be having a good year albeit with a lot of strike outs

Klaw

  (12:56 PM)

Only 20 in the Cal League which is a hitter's league with typically high K rates. Still like him, kind of thought he was a little more advanced than this.

Pierce (Tulsa, OK)

Now that Rasmus is traded, would you go over slot and give Tilson a signing bonus of just over $1 million?

Klaw

  (12:58 PM)

I'd sign him. Not sure if that's the actual price tag, but I like him quite a bit and think he fell for non-baseball reasons (cold weather and fighting some minor injuries).

Jason (St Louis)

Have you gotten any hate from the St Louis fans regarding your shredding of the Rasmus trade along the lines of your cy young vote a couple years ago?

Klaw

  (12:58 PM)

Of course. And then they complain when I point out that they're whining. Of course, more Cards fans have chimed in to say they hate the deal (and realize I'm not biased), so I don't want to unfairly tar the whole fan base.

Kal (Windsor Locks, CT)

Did you blanch the peaches to remove the skins or just peel? Felix Doubront and Kyle Weiland get it done for Fister or not enough going back to Seattle?

Klaw

  (12:59 PM)

Peel with a serrated peeler. No clue on Seattle's plans.

Nora (St. Louis)

I noticed you aren't 300 pounds, yet your food posts indicate you aren't holding back on calories. Do you work out a lot or do you just have good genetics?

Klaw

  (12:59 PM)

Unfortunately it's more bad genetics. I'd have a hard time putting on a lot of weight (and could never be a professional athlete, assuming I had any ability).

Fletch (Ft. Lauderdale)

Excited for the upcoming season of TC: Just Desserts? I'm looking forward to seeing it with a different cast.

Klaw

  (1:00 PM)

Wasn't planning on watching it since the first season was awful. Maybe I'll give it one shot.

Clint Hurdle (Pgh)

Keep it up and I'll end this chat on a squeeze play and two steals with pitchouts.

Klaw

  (1:00 PM)

But I'll be erroneously called safe on the last question because we're out of time!

Klaw

  (1:01 PM)

(Thanks for all the questions!)