Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

Fix up, look sharp - it's Klawchat.

Daniel (San Diego, Ca.)

Pretty bummed about Hoyer and McLeod leaving the Padres. Can you provide any insight/hope that Byrnes and Hinch can continue building the farm in the same direction it's been going the past 2 season?

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

I don't know anything about Byrnes' plans, but as an outsider, if you compare what Hoyer/McLeod did in two years in San Diego to what Byrnes did in four years here in Arizona, I think it's safe to say that Cubs fans should be excited and Padres fans a little disappointed.

Murray (PRESENT)

Question on the Cubs guys, Carpenter and Cashner. Anything you can report on these 2 fireballers? Thanks!

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

Both here, both throwing hard. Cashner looks 100% again.

Jeff (Manalapan NJ)

The hype this year is on Mark Appel from Stanford. The numbers aren't remarkable. What do the scouts see KLAW?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

When I saw him here this spring he was 91-93 with below-average command, but I know national guys who've seen him up to 99. Delivery isn't clean but he's got a good athletic (if wiry) frame. He's the top guy on my 2012 board right now, but I'm not sure he would have been any higher than 8th on my board in 2011.

Mike (Chicago)

Is Junior Lake a good prospect or just a one week wonder?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

This is a great place to hit, so please take all AFL hitter stats with a major grain of salt. His feel for the game - including instincts on defense and ability to work the count or recognize offspeed stuff - is so limited that there's a good chance he ends up on the mound.

Dave (Detroit)

Is it so bad to have players play in a light rain? I get that you don't want a rainout but Torre and MLB seem weak this postseason with their decisions.

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

I believe the concern was starting without finishing. Probably the residue of the 2008 fiasco.

Mike (San Diego)

Do you have a twitter policy on how you answer questions? I've tweeted you a few times, but I don't want to be obnoxious by doing it too much.

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

I get so many questions/mentions I can only answer a small fraction of them, sorry.

Adam (Minneapolis)

If the Cards force a game 7, please tell me you'll be on the Friday and Monday podcast to discuss. Also, Gary Brown and Joe Panik, discuss.

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

No, I am done till next Wednesday when we switch to weekly shows. Solid-average CF, utility infielder.

Shane (Berkshires, Mass.)

Have you seen Will Middlebrooks play yet in person in the AFL? If so, your impressions? Solid regular 3b as his ceiling?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

I think I've seen every player except a handful of pitchers. Might go to above-average regular as ceiling - limited by his ability to get on base. Has the glove, arm, pop to profile as a 55 (above-average regular) if he's at least not held back by the OBP.

Henry (ATL)

What do you make of this Turdo guy on braves? He's doing very well in the AFL.

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Again, AFL stats - and we're talking about a tiny sample right now too - are not the basis for a rational assessment of a player. I see an extra outfielder there. He's played some first as well but was well below-average.

Steven (Seattle)

Who has more upside Hultzen or Paxton?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Paxton has the upside. Hultzen has more probability but a much lower ceiling.

Jason (St Louis)

Should any position player in baseball have an obp below .300? I'm asking because Melvin is making it seem like he might pick up the option on Yuni Betancourt. I can't imagine that guy being worth 6 mil.

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

There is no way I'd pay him $6 million. That's crazy talk.

Jake (San Clemente)

SSS and AFL environment aside, seems like Jedd Gyorko can flat out hit. Many seem split on his defense at 3rd. Can it play up to average?

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

He can hit. I don't think he'll be consistently average there - one grade or a half-grade below, at best. Lot of guys out here who can't quite play 3b, or will just never get up to average over there, like it's the flavor of the year in the AFL.

Jess (Cincinnati)

Do you fully buy into the belief that a starting pitcher HAS to have at least 3 good pitches to be successful? All the talk that Chapman HAS to develop a good changeup seems silly to me when his fastball and slider (when thrown in the zone, obviously) are both easily plus pitches--better actually. All he really needs is a changeup he can throw occasionally near the zone. Yeah? Or am I a simpleton?

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

No, I don't think it's a requirement, but it also looks like Chapman is working on more of a split-change now, which could be pretty vicious.

MJ (Oregon)

Would it make sense for the Mariners to bid on Yu Darvish? If they were successful, wouldn't that increase offers for Felix or some of their surplus pitching?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

I don't think so, not with all the pitching they have coming.

Mike (KC)

Does Wil Myers' AFL performance validate that his sub-par year was mostly injured related?

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

I think it's more that he looks better. He's moving around better now than he did in July, even better than he did when he first got here. I just can't draw a conclusion from any player's performance out here, especially not a hitter in three weeks of games.

Andy Mc (Waterloo, ON)

Keith, we still haven't heard your take on the whole Farrell debacle...

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

Because there is none. Nothing happened. You already know I don't think he's a good manager.

Matt (DC)

You said last week you were going to see Purke. How good/bad does he look?

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

Horrendous. Faced seven batters, retired one, velocity still isn't back, couldn't locate (obviously), arm action still a negative. All that said, we knew he wasn't right from the spring, so I'd like to at least see where he is in 2012 after a winter of rehab.

Jake (NJ)

A week or two ago, after the regular season ended, I asked your Cy Young pick, and you said you wouldn't give it out yet. Is that required of the voters? Is it to avoid people figuring out the winner before they are officially announced? Or another reason?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

It's requested of us and I think that's a perfectly valid condition. I may not respect the results of the voting, but I respect the process and am willing to abide by the organization's wishes on secrecy until then.

Sam (Los Angeles)

Did I see something about an AFL "all star" game being played next week?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Rising Stars Game, Saturday November 5th at 5 pm at Surprise Stadium. I'll be there.

Taylor (Pennsville, NJ)

Will you be discussing your cy young ballot after the results are announced and, without revealing any real information, was it a difficult decision for you this year? I don't suppose there will be opportunity for ticking any fan bases off this year? Arizona maybe??? Unless of course you fell and hit your head and ended up including Ian Kennedy and his pretty "pitcher wins" on your ballot, in which case the rest of us would be ticked off at you.

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Yes, I'll discuss it after it's announced.

Dan (NYC)

Harrison or Holland if it goes to 7?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Holland.

Jon (Jacksonville, Florida)

Keith, any point in my hanging onto these Arizona prospects in a keeper league? Linton, Mateo, Broxton and Eaton?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Eaton can hit. Probably a good fourth OF, but he can hit.

Pierce (Tulsa)

what happens between Trumbo,Morales and the Angels 5 outfielders next year? which two are out of the mix?

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

That depends on whether the new Angels GM understands the importance of OBP.

SD Fan (SD)

Should Padres fans be upset at all about Hoyer/McLeod jumping ship after two seasons for lateral moves? Hoyer is in a good situation now, but if I were an owner, looking to hire in the future, his committment would give me pause.. Thanks KLAW!

Klaw

  (1:23 PM)

I discussed this on the podcast, but that situation is much more about the owner wanting Josh Byrnes all along than it is about Hoyer/McLeod having commitment issues.

daphne (somerville, ma)

Hey Keith. Given the thoughts you've shared on women in front office work, I'm curious to hear your opinion on the requirement that minority candidates be interviewed for management positions.

Klaw

  (1:25 PM)

I don't think there's any evidence those interview requirements lead to more hires. Baseball does have a problem with a shortage of minorities in front offices, but the cause is a shortage of minorities in lower-level positions that would feed upwards into those higher-level jobs.

Jon (Florida)

Keith, thoughts on Borchering?

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

Still young enough to develop into the kind of bat who'll profile anywhere, but I think he's 1b only and the standard there for offense is very high.

William (Chicago)

Can Cub fans call Hayden Simpson a bust yet? He was a risky/odd pick and was horrendous last season. I understand he had mono, but still.

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

I think so, if you're willing to rescind the tag in the unlikely event that his college velocity ever comes back.

Ben (Dallas)

Mike Olt... what you got besides he crushes and k's a lot in the AFL?

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Another guy who's been shaky at third base, despite a rep coming in that he's above-average over there. Swing isn't long, strong hands, seems to have good hand-eye so I'm not sure why he swings and misses as much as he does.

Tyler (Ann Arbor)

Give me something about Yasmani Grandal. What was he looking like before the injury? Possible September call-up next year?

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Struggling with receiving. Can throw, can call a game, plenty of stick from the left side, but he's had issues all year (including here) with just catching the ball, especially better velo.

J (NY)

Better Yankee pitching prospect , Betances or Baneulos?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

Banuelos. Better feel, better chance to start.

Mike (San Diego)

Can you believe some people are giving Ron Washington credit for "splitting up the lefties"? They realize that it "worked" because Mike Napoli is a damn good hitter and not because they split up the murderer's row of Murhpy and Moreland, right?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

Even if you think splitting up the lefties is key, maybe you could split them up with someone else and let Napoli hit fourth, right? I'm sure the Classy Michael Young would volunteer to hit eighth for the good of the team.

Dale (KY)

Do teams ever ask for a PED test on potential draftees? Is it possible a guy could take PEDs, possibly jack up stats or velocity, get a paycheck, and then quit taking them and fall off the earth? I am sure it has happened.

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

MLB tests 200 players for the draft each year.

hector (chicago)

did the the cubs really have a great 2011 draft class as theo repeatedly stated to various media outlets

Klaw

  (1:33 PM)

They had an expensive draft class; I wouldn't call it a great one. I wasn't wild about Maples or Vogelbach, but they were name prospects who took in over $3 million combined. I do love Baez - he alone may make the whole class look great after a few years in the minors.

Kevin (NJ)

After Guerrieri and Mahtook, which Rays 2011 pick(s) do you like best?

Klaw

  (1:36 PM)

Goeddel, Goetzman, Eierman.

Jason (St Louis)

Do you think there is anything fishy about Lackey getting TJ surgery? It seems odd to me. I thought that typically when TJ is needed the pitcher finds out when his elbow explodes on the mound.

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

Can be an acute injury (what you described) or a gradual deterioration of the ligament over time. McGowan had the latter in Toronto - partial tear when they drafted him (before I got there), but he didn't know it at the time and pitched without pain or difficulty until four years later when the tear had increased to the point that he needed surgery.

Jason (St Louis)

Where should Harper start his 2012 season at, assuming he doesn't break camp?

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

Harrisburg. Assuming the city hasn't been liquidated and sold to Chinese interests.

Adam (Boston)

Regarding Napoli's emergence this year. Did scouts see things that Scioscia and the Angels front office didn't that might predict this performance? Anyone on the Rangers staff that deserves credit for helping Napoli do this (hitting coach or catching instructor). Also, thoughts on silicone bakeware?

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

If someone saw him performing like he did in 2011, I didn't hear it. We all saw the secondary skills, but not this ability to hit for average, and I think if you'd asked me last winter for a power grade I would have sold him a little short there too. I don't use silicone bakeware because foods in them won't brown properly.

Joe (Boston)

Keith - how well do you know Ben Cherrington and in your honest opinion, is he the right person to lead Boston.

Klaw

  (1:42 PM)

I know him well from living up there and seeing him at games; first met him in '02 on the flight back from the winter meetings in hell-on-earth ... I mean, the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Cherington was going to be a GM somewhere very soon. Strong organizational and leadership skills with a tremendous, broad base of experience across scouting, PD, and the office. The Red Sox were fortunate in a sense to have someone like him just sitting there to take over when Theo left. Many clubs would have to look externally in the same situation.

Jess (Cincinnati)

Does it bother you that guys can get caught Driving Under the Influence and get a slap on the hand? But any use of of a PED makes them the anti-Christ?

Klaw

  (1:42 PM)

Of course it does.

Kevin (San Diego)

I've heard Scioscia apologists suggest that Napoli's arm "wasn't healthy enough" for him to play more than a limited amount of innings behind the dish when with the Angels...pure hogwash, right?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

You couldn't fit all of the Scioscia apologists out there in a typical hotel ballroom. He's a good manager, but he screwed up royal (HT Mayor Quimby) on Napoli, and he should just own the mistake and move forward.

John (Mendham, NJ)

Higher ceiling, Pineda or Matt Moore?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

Moore.

Slew (Seattle)

Obviously DUIs aren't a good thing, but I care about 1/1000th as much about things that don't directly impact on the field play.

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Well, history shows that players who are dead have less impact than those who are not dead. And that's also true for players in jail. So you might care about DUIs on that basis.

Mark (NJ)

Swish for 1 year, or Beltran for 3 for the Yanks?

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Swisher. Someone else asked the same, had that in the queue - Beltran's got some big question marks after the year he had in the field.

cabloawww (brandon)

What you having for dinner tonight bigguy?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

No plan yet. I'll hit Whole Foods on the way back from the game. Sometimes I just walk in the store and see what speaks to me. Then I ask the butcher to slaughter it and I take it home.

Alex (Anaheim)

I know you've expressed doubts before, but can Jesus Montero be even a fringe defensive catcher? That bat needs to play..

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

I don't see it. Was talking to a scout yesterday about some of these catchers-who-can't-catch and of the three major ones I could name, I thought Romine had the best chance to catch, Lavarnway in the middle, Montero the least. He thought the first two could catch but not Montero.

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

Grandal and his receiving trouble was actually the spur for that conversation.

Jose (Sonoma)

Has Bumgarner exceeded your expectations after two years in the bigs?

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

Given how he finished 2009? Yes. Going back to how he threw in 2008? Not as much.

Wil (Buffalo)

Mr Law, You've probably answered this before but will your chat schedule change for the MLB off season? I get withdrawal symptoms without my weekly allowance of snark.

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

I will skip a week here or there but usually chat right through the offseason.

AC (Baldwin)

Have you seen Profar in person yet and if so what is your opinion on him?

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

Many times. Future star.

Tom (Chi)

Excited for Top Chef: Texas? Do you know what cities they are planning on hitting up during the season?

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

Absolutely. Don't know. Still hoping for Top Chef: Phoenix some day.

Chad (North Dakota)

Is Cuddyer a worthwhile resigning at his age? and what are you reading lately??? Thanks for all the chats that you do. I enjoy them for their insightfulness. and brutal honesty.

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

My free agent rankings - Cuddyer is on there - will be up five days after the WS ends, so I'll defer on that one for the week. Just about to start Gissing's "New Grub Street" after finishing "The Year of the Hare" last night.

Matt Wieters (Os)

Any rumors you hearing on John Hart getting G.M. job with Levine coming over as Assistant G.M.?

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

What a nightmare that would be for Baltimore fans. I sincerely hope that doesn't happen. Hart was overrated in Cleveland and an F6 on the Fujita-Harrelson scale of GM disasters.

Robert (Enlightened City)

I know you've said you'd love to be a judge one day on TC, but would you actually consider being a contestant?

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

I am thoroughly unqualified for that. These people are experts who can come up with complex dishes on the fly and execute 200 portions in a short period of time. I think I'm pretty good for a home cook but I prepare four portions at a clip and usually have all the time in the world.

Tom (L.A.) [via mobile]

The Angels are about to interview Dan Evans. That worked out well the last time he was in L.A.

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

I'm becoming less impressed with the Angels' process as it goes along. Evans' tenure with the Dodgers wasn't Hart-in-Texas awful but it wasn't good enough for him to get a second go-round with candidates like Dipoto in the mix.

Tyler (Pittsburgh)

Assuming that both stay healthy (which is a big assumption to make), who do you like more in the long run: Cole or Taillon. More importantly, what do you think will end up happening with Stetson Allie

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

Cole. Allie is a reliever for me.

Greg (LA)

Didn't the Cubs do it right? Epstein, Hoyer and McLoed instead of one middle reliever?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

Yep.

Jason (St Louis)

They said in one of the LA papers that McCourt has to get over 1 billion just to cover his debts. How is that possible?

Klaw

  (1:57 PM)

I believe he's waiting for the EU to bail him out. He's one of the GIMPS - Greece, Ireland, McCourt, Portugal, Spain.

brittney (fresno, ca)

top chef: Phoenix would be awesome!!! I lived in scottsdale for 3 months last fall for work and the food was the all time best. i miss it.

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

I've been very pleased with the culinary scene out here. Great options at several different price points too.

Matt (NYC)

Keith,You recently mentioned that you see Jenrry Mejia as a future reliever. What makes you view him as such? It seemed as if the consensus, heading into 2011, was that he's a quality starting pitching prospect.

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

Pretty sure that was Familia, not Mejia.

Tyler (Canada)

Realistically, Sanchez is the best of the 3 catchers right? (Montero with "catcher"). That being said, how far away is he from getting to the bigs?

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

Gary? Terrible reports on his defense this year. Can really hit, though. Murphy and Romine are the better defenders, Sanchez and Montero have the sticks.

Gavin (Solana Beach CA)

Should Padres fans get exited for how well Gyorko and Decker are doing in AFL?

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

Good to see Decker getting a little more aggressive once he's ahead in the count. Reminds me of Napoli in that way - secondary skills are there, can work the count with the best of them, but needs to take that step Napoli took in converting all those 2-0s and 3-1s into "in play, run(s)."

KC (Buffalo)

I just learned how to play Dominion. Now I'm addicted. I can't stop. What do I do?

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

Buy the Intrigue and Seaside expansions.

DMT (NYC)

Robbie Grossman's ceiling? Average ML starter?

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

Above.

Dale (KY)

How would Montero profile at 1st base?

Klaw

  (2:01 PM)

That's a star-caliber bat at DH. I just want to see him in the lineup every day.

Tim (Long Island)

Hey Klaw! Your my favorite person on twitter to follow. Truly hilarious. Anyway, just wanted to hear your long term thoughts on Jeurys Familia.

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

Speaking of whom ... reliever. Maybe a good one with the plus fastball, but probably just a reliever.

Gus (Boston)

Reports at the time were that Alderson had his pick of Wheeler or Brown for Beltran. Do you think he made the right choice? Mets seem to have no bats in the system whatsoever whereas they at least have Harvey, Familia and (hopefully) Mejia at pitcher.

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

Oh yeah, definitely the right choice. I like Brown but he's not going to hit for much power and I don't think he has the potential impact of Wheeler, who could be a number 2 in a good rotation.

BassmanUW (Chicago)

If I was going to get my wife and I started on one board game that could be played with two people, what would you recommend?

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Hold that thought. Once I get through the free agent stuff I'm going to do an updated board game ranking over at the dish, including a separate ranking of the best two-player games we've found.

Steve (boston)

who do you like better between Robbie Grossman and starling marte?

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Grossman. That's not really close.

Eric (Catasauqua, PA)

Thoughts on Leury Garcia?

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

He's going to hit, and surprise a lot of people given his size. I wouldn't be shocked to see him get some regular playing time down the road, although the odds are he's just a great utility guy.

Vince (Hoboken)

Hi Klaw, just curious, what is your second favorite pro sport? Are you a fan of non-baseball college sports?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

Baseball.

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

Time to wrap this up - hoping to catch Aroldis' relief outing today at Phoenix Muni. Thanks for all the questions. I'll be back next week after the free agent rankings are posted.

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Grossman. That's not really close.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

He's going to hit, and surprise a lot of people given his size. I wouldn't be shocked to see him get some regular playing time down the road, although the odds are he's just a great utility guy.