Klaw

  (1:03 PM)

So I'll apologize in advance for the short chat today - I need to bail in 45 minutes because I have to do some pre-op bloodwork and testing ahead of thyroid surgery next Friday. I'll get to as many questions as I can.

@Jaypers413 (IL)

About where would Cespedes have slotted in on your Top 100?

Klaw

  (1:03 PM)

He's 26 and not quite major league ready, so not that high.

Jack (Toronto)

You seem to be the high man on Hak Ju Lee. Is it his defence that you value so much? Do you have any power projection for him, most other reviewers I've seen still say he has a slappy approach.

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

10-15 HR peak. Should hit for high averages, get on base, run, save 5-10 runs a year with the glove. What's not to like?

BassmanUW (Chicago)

If the Cubs signed Soler, where would he be on your Cubs' Top 10? Number 2 behind Rizzo?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

Definitely not ahead of Rizzo, but most likely ahead of Jackson on ceiling.

Jason (St Louis)

If Cespedes needs some time in the minors should he go to AAA or a lower level?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

I'd start him in AA, and if he rakes, move him up to AAA quickly. It's all about offspeed stuff, from what I'm told. I won't see him until he's cleared to come play here in AZ.

Richard (Santa Clara)

Will you be attending the Stanford vs. Vanderbilt games this weekend?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

Just Friday night.

Alon (Brooklyn, NY)

What happened to Allan Dykstra, he was a former first round pick?

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

He never should have been a first-round pick. And then he got hurt.

Jeff (Calgary)

Hey Keith,In your opinion, what is holding Syndergaard back from being an elite prospect? It seems like throwing 98 with good command would have him in the upper echelon of your pitching prospects. Any insight is appreciated, thanks.

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

Good control is not good command - and you need a viable breaking ball to be in the upper echelon of pitching prospects. He's become wildly overrated based on spotty velo reports, while Nicolino and Hutchison are underrated because they don't throw as hard.

Charles (Seattle)

sidenote: Good luck on your surgery. That's some serious stuff, and ESPN and us fantasy geeks need you!

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

Thank you. Best case scenario is they only remove half of it and I'm ready to drive for the first day of spring training.

Charles (Seattle)

Keith, I was surprised that Shawn Tolleson from the Dodgers didn't make any of your lists. Was he at least on the outside looking in? There appears to be some serious late-inning talent there, maybe even this year despite Kenley Jansen and Javy Guerra being around, right?

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

Not really.

Jack (Toronto)

Thanks for the Lee answer. As far as the Cuban League, roughly what level would you say it would be equivalent to? AA? A+?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

Low-A or worse. Pitching is very depleted. The problem with equating foreign leagues to a minor league level is that the foreign leagues (including NPB, KBO, etc) have much higher spreads between the best and worst players.

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

wider spreads, I should say.

BassmanUW (Chicago)

On a scale on 1-10, how stupid was the Orioles mishandling Seong-Min Kim signing, especially considering how simple it is to meet the protocol between MLB and the KBO? I'd rate it around a 74.

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

74 sounds about right. This falls right in line with the ham-handed style Duquette showed in Boston.

Casey (Hawaii)

I read your write up on Goilito from the show case and it didn't sound glowing. Currently, Apple vs Goilito, who would you rather have?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

Appel. I'll be at Giolito/Fried's doubleheader on Saturday, so I'll get a better look. I love Giolito's stuff, but he needs to get more aggressive. Fried doesn't throw as hard, but he has more F.U. to him.

David (Charlotte)

KLAW, I was surprised to see Randall Delgado so low in your prospect ranking. He's actually proven to be more effective in MLB games than Tehran. What is the weakness that concerns you? Is it something that can be fixed quickly? The kid has great heart and he's not afraid.

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

He's "proven" nothing. He's got a handful of big league starts and, in that meaningless sample, nearly walked as many guys as he fanned.

Kenny Williams (South Side)

Expectations for Chris Sale and Addison Reed? My job depends on them....

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

I don't see Sale holding up as a starter. Love both guys in the bullpen. Either could pitch in the 9th inning.

Alon (Brooklyn, NY)

If you like Archer, you would love Jon Benjamin in Home Movies, is Abraham Lincoln The Vampire Hunter on your reading list?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Loved Coach McGuirk. No, not on my reading list.

Jim (Boston)

Looking strictly at offensive upside, Yelich or Marisnick?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Yelich.

JR (Vegas)

Do you think Brad Pitt signed Cespedes on Peter Brand's recommendation, or did he do it on his own?

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

The computer told him to do it.

Ed (Watertown, MA)

Nook or Kindle?

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

Kindle app for iPad. But I prefer dead trees.

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

By the way, not to be Captain Obvious, but I will be off the Baseball Today podcast until early March, at least.

Stack (NJ)

Just saw Moneyball last night. What did you think of it?

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

I'm not here to talk about the past.

Roger (New Haven)

Robert Stephenson or Taylor Guerreri?

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

One was on my top 100, the other wasn't.

Ryan (Indy)

How concerned are you with Tommy Hanson's shoulder and the fact that he's changing his delivery slightly? Is that the right move? Thanks!

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

Very concerned.

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Upside is ace. Right now, he's the best player on the board, but he is no Strasburg/Harper lock to be there on draft day.

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Put it another way: If Vegas let you wager on the MLB Draft, I'd bet the field for 1-1 over Appel.

Jim (Albany)

Mark Appel this year of Garrit Cole last year?

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

Cole. I don't think any player in this year's draft would have cracked the top 7 a year ago.

Daniel (New York)

Where are you in the Wire? Season 4? Are you missing Barksdale & Bell yet?

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

Through S4E8. Should bang two more eps out this weekend. It is definitely the best season so far.

Ian (OK)

Eddie Rosario at 50? Wow, could that be a bit overreaction to rookie level stats? Wasn't he a 4th rd pick a year ago?

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

Do you really think I do my rankings just based on stats? Come on.

Brian (Pensacola Fl)

Klaw, have you seen Addison Russell from pace fl and if you have what do you think

Klaw

  (1:19 PM)

I have, got him in the first round mix, looked a little crude last summer but would like to see him outside the showcase environment.

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Made some really tough plays at 3b when I saw him, though.

Bob (Seattle)

How much do you worry about the fact that Mark Appel plays for Stanford? Mussina was really good, but recent history for highly drafted players has been really bad.

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

I do. Stanford doesn't produce big leaguers like it should.

Mike (Chicago)

Other than the Astros, do you think there's another 100 loss team in mlb this year?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Orioles, given that division and the fact that now Britton is hurt.

Sean (Atlanta)

Are you going to be in Suprise over the weekend of the March 3rd to watch the Coca-Cola Classic?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Probably not.

Jason (St Louis)

I'm really curious to see how draft signings work this year with the new rules. Do you think we'll still see guys holding out for big money even though basically it isn't there?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

I think after the first round, you'll see more college guys taken (or JC guys, or HS guys who don't have strong commitments) and fewer picks spent on tough-sign HS kids.

Stack (NJ)

Is your thyroid the source of your snark? Do you worry about losing it?

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

I ... I never thought of that. Damn.

Phil (Denver)

I saw that picture of you as a kid with Gary Carter. Weren't you a Yankee fan as a kid? Traitor!!!

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

I was. He came to visit a baseball camp I was attending.

Charlie (Bethesda)

You gonna make it down to Nats Park this year? They're replacing the fake crap beer garden outside with a Brooklyn-esque market with salvaged shipping containers. They're opening up a Osteria Morini down the road, and its easy to get to a Jose Andres or Michel Richard place before or after a game. Oh yeah, the baseball team might be good with some young talent, too.

Klaw

  (1:23 PM)

I would really like to get there this year. I'm hoping to do more pro stuff this year and less summer draft coverage.

Larry (NY)

Do you see Lindor as a Starlin Castro type with a waaaay better glove?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

Not as strong/powerful.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

What do you think is the better option for the Brewers? Green 3b and Ramirez 1b or Raimerz 3b and Gamel 1b

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

Green/Aramis.

John (Illinois)

People try to justify bad contracts by saying "if we win one championship, it's worth it". What's the organization view on this? Using the Pujols or Fielder contracts, does one or two championships over a 9-10 year period justify the deals?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

The revenue boost from one WS win is significant. It's not a nonsensical argument, even if it's not a valid one.

Ben (Ann Arbor)

Hey Klaw, what do the Tigers do with this Castellanos kid? They seem to be locked up at 3rd for the near future...

Klaw

  (1:25 PM)

You really like Brandon Inge that much?

JK (Chicago)

Joke all you want about your thyroid, just keep in mind Adam Dunn had a 1.000+ OPS in April before they took out his appendix! Seriously though, get well.

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

They should never have dialed DANton-ten-six.

chauncey (teaneck)

I think he means cabera will be there for a while

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

Well, he doesn't move real quick...

David (DC)

If you were Cashman, you wouldn't be looking at R. Ibanez or G. Jones to be your DH, right? Klye Banks? Grady Sizemore?

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

I wouldn't want Ibanez or Jones. I might consider Damon, but I wouldn't be thrilled about it.

Tom (UCSB)

Has the Tigers FO gone off their meds? There's no way Miguel Cabrera can play 3B in the big leagues, right?

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

I'm with you.

Dan (Washington, DC)

If you come to the park, I'll happily buy your ben's chili bowl chili half smoke all-the-way...IF you admit you were wrong about the Nats farm system!

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

I wasn't wrong, and that sounds disgusting.

Chone (Honk Konk)

Do you write some of these comments? Theres no way they are set up that easy for you.

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

Nope. 100% real, no artificial or genetically-modified comments allowed.

Wayne (Toronto)

Just let miggy get his 5 games in at third so his fantasy owners can rejoice.

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

In which Wayne points out one of the many reasons I gave up on fantasy baseball...

Nate (Iowa) [via mobile]

M. Perez and Profar for McCutchen: who says no?

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

I would guess Texas would say no on that one. But if I'm Pittsburgh, I'm asking for a home-run package along those lines.

Jared (LA)

Was surprised to see you rank Angel Sanchez so highly in your Dodgers Top 10. What have you heard about him?

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

Signed out of college in the DR, which is really unusual. 90-96 as a starter, pitches around 94, hard slider, shows a changeup with some promise. Chance to be an above-average starter.

Andy (STL)

Hey Keith, love your work. Who is this HS catcher I've been hearing about here in St. Louis? Any idea on if he's a real prospect or not? I've heard he could go in the first few rounds. If so I want to make sure I go out and catch a game of his this year.

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

Are you talking about Matt Fultz in KC? Not really a guy for me.

Jeremy (Asheville, NC)

What makes HJL such a better prospect than Andrelton Simmons. They put up pretty similar numbers in a ball last year. HJL's on base was slightly better and he is a year younger, is that a big enough difference between 12 overall and not top 100?

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

Let me check my rankings ... yes, yes it is.

Ted (Wilmington)

Would you rather have Cespedes on the 4 / $36MM or Soler for a potential 6 / $25MM+ ???

Klaw

  (1:36 PM)

I haven't seen either guy yet, but given what I've heard, and their listed ages, I'd rather roll the dice on Soler.

John (Santa Monica)

MD, here. Not possible to lose snark without undergoing a radical snarkectomy.

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

That's a relief.

Kevin (Jersey)

KLAW: Your thoughts on High School catching prospect Stryker Trahan versus Zunino? Are they close and will Trahan stay behind the plate? Also, is Jorge Alfaro's strikeout rate a cause for concern or something he will likely work through?

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

I'm going to see both guys again, but I'd rate Zunino slightly higher, like both guys a lot, think both guys can stay back there. (But I reserve the right to change my mind after a fresh look.) More concerned about Alfaro's lack of BB than the high Ks.

Mike (Indiana)

Isn't the money restriction on the draft limited to the top ten rounds? If so will we see more guys falling out of the top ten rounds and signing big money later? Seems like a loophole

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

Max bonus after the tenth round is (I think) $100K.

Mark (Atlanta)

You mention that fans tend to overrate Braves' positional prospects due to the lack of legitimate bats. Is that the case with Christian Bethancourt? Or does he have legitimate potential?

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

It was a more general comment on fans overrating the best players in a weak system, or the best bats in a system light on bats, etc. Bethancourt can really catch, throw, and hit for power, but the hit tool is still a question mark.

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

Yes.

Matt (NY)

Are you as disappointed as I am at the name these kids have these days? I mean come on, Stryker? Really?

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

His parents were big "Airplane" fans.

Ben (Tempe)

Tyler Skaggs or Taijuan Walker?

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

I appreciate the questions, but I just spent almost a month putting together these big rankings that answer exactly what you've asked.

Huddy (AZ)

How good can Vizcaino be if he is a permanent bullpen guy?

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

Elite, but wasted.

Dan (Washington, DC)

..But STRYKER? Why no Clarence, Victor, Leon, or Autopilot?

Klaw

  (1:42 PM)

Get oveur it.

Jason (St Louis)

I've got T to R and Carcassonne on iPad. What would you recommend I pick up next?

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

Samurai: http://meadowparty.com/blog/?p=1579

Andrew (Fairless Hills, PA )

Does Britton's injury really surprise you? Let's just add him to the list...Matusz, Erbe, Arrieta, Loewen....

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

Nope, not at all.

Wil (Buffalo)

Mr. Law, I have seen in the past week that quite a few writers refer to your top 100 list when discussing prospects. Does it give you any added satisfaction knowing that your work is gaining more acknowledgement as a go to source for prospect evaluation?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

I appreciate that they use it that way, but I am much more interested in reactions from within the industry.

Steve (DC)

So I enjoy cooking, but want to learn more about how to cook off the top of my head with things I have in the house rather than relying on a recipe. Better option: Alton Brown's "I'm just hear for the Food" or Ruhlman's "Ratio"?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

Ruhlman's Twenty.

Tom (L.A.)

Is one of the funnier aspects of your job getting the steady stream of "You hate my team" Tweets? What I find funny is when it's from fans of teams perpetually in last place. What exactly has happened in the past few years that you're so happy with that mean ol' Keith Law keeps overlooking?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

The "you hate the Orioles" people are the best. Orioles fans hate the Orioles right now. I'm just calling 'em as I see 'em.

Adam (Los Angeles)

What are your thoughts on J.T. Realmuto? Above average starting material?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

Potentially. Check my sleeper prospects article from last week.

JJ (Liberty Twp, OH)

Trey McNutt: future middle reliever, or capable of something more?

Klaw

  (1:45 PM)

I wouldn't rule out starting, but he's got to get some consistency in that delivery first.

mk (albuquerque)

jusrt want to point out (not that this is any kind of criticsim of you) that some of us are philosophically opposed to paying for internet content and some of us can't affford to pay for insider access and so don't get to see these things you refer to.......

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

That would be the dumbest philosophy I have ever heard. Do you pay for cable? Magazines? Newspa ... well, no one pays for newspapers any more. Books? You pay for content you value. If you want to tell me you don't value my content enough to pay for it, I understand. But philosophically opposed? Is that from Kant or Hegel?

Pete (New York)

Where did you got your info on Ravel Santana potentially missing most of the season? From all recent reports he has been running fine, albeit with a taped ankle

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Team sources.

Jason (St Louis)

My personal favorite is when you are accused of being biased towards the East Coast, considering you live in Arizona.

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Likewise. Or any coast bias. Nearest body of water is 300 miles away.

Ryan (Chicago)

Now that Jason Grey is gone is ESPN going to replace him and get you some help with scouting?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

I believe we're adding someone to help me with draft stuff this spring. I'll tell you guys more about it when it's definite.

Tim (STL)

20-80 scale, how would you rate this season of Archer? I find myself randomly screaming out "Thanks Dodge!"

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

It's been 65-70 so far. Corinthian leather.

Steve (California)

Rewording: "Some of us would like things for free because we are cheap. And oh yeah, I don't care if you get paid but please do all this work for me."

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

Seriously. The Alfa Romeo in my garage isn't going to make its own payments.

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

(I do not actually own an Alfa Romeo.)

Mike (San Diego)

Ruhlman's Twenty is tough to find. I had an order set to come in for Christmas and it got cancelled a couple weeks ago because they didn't have any more copies available.

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

New print run coming soon per his Twitter account.

Klaw

  (1:51 PM)

I gotta roll. Thanks for all the good wishes. I'll try to update everyone via Twitter when I'm conscious after the surgery.