Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

Sorry for the delayed chat - I'm now in Charlotte for tonight's ESPNU College Baseball Live show.

Ray A. (San Francisco, CA)

Where do you currently project USF pitcher Kyle Zimmer going in the draft?

Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

Assuming last week's velocity hiccup was just that, he's probably a top 5 pick. If he doesn't bounce back, then I have no idea.

labambasaurus (the aisles of langerhan)

what say you on trey williams? noticed he isn't in your top 50. will they hit tool be good enough to allow the power to play?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

Has bat speed, but that's not the same as a hit tool, which would also include bat control and approach. He could be a Dante Bichette Jr type, where a team takes him in the sandwich/second round and tries to rework his swing after he signs (Bichette's made a lot of progress there already), but that's a substantial amount of additional risk, and Williams doesn't have Bichette's makeup.

Brian (Gilbert, AZ)

Bundy and Bradley have both pitched very well so far, but how come the Orioles are only having bundy go 3 innings while the Dbacks have let Bradley go 5 and 6 innings?

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

I don't know. I prefer Arizona's approach. Pitchers need to learn to turn pro lineups over three times. Putting Bundy on the Taillon plan won't accomplish that - and I don't know that there's any firm evidence that it keeps pitchers healthy, either. We know overwork is bad, but that doesn't imply that underwork is good.

Justin (Boston)

You're not going to believe this, but Brandon Belt is not in the Giants lineup today.

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

The problem with all of these "Belt for Snider, who says no?" tweets and questions is that the Giants are much more likely to trade Belt for Jamie Moyer.

doublej4725 (Hillsborough, NC)

What did you think of Luke Jackson or is that a full writeup in the future?

Klaw

  (3:07 PM)

Full writeup in the next 24 hours. He was OK, stuff was ahead of command.

Dave (Wolcott, CT)

What are your thoughts on Jameis Winston as a draft prospect? Does he ultimately wind up playing football at Florida State or will he be drafted in the first two rounds?

Klaw

  (3:08 PM)

I think he goes to FSU. Has played horribly this spring, doesn't seem to have serious interest in signing.

H. Jon Benjamin (Saying this with my voice in your mind)

I've read reports that say Austin Wood is showing a pretty wicked slider to go with his high-90s fastball. Do you have anything to say about his early results?

Klaw

  (3:08 PM)

The Angels' guy? Saw him at the end of ST. Below average slider.

Mike (Arlington, VA)

Since Bundy has struck out 12 of the 18 batters he has faced this season (while allowing no hits or walks). Do you see the Orioles wasting much more of his time at Delmarva?

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

He should be in AA, and again, going longer per outing. We're likely overrating him because he can amp up for a shorter outing and doesn't have to face any hitters three times. But he belongs in AA anyway.

Jeff Sullivan [via mobile]

Any chance Michael Wacha goes 1-1?

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

Hey, Jeff. Absolutely zero. Not in consideration.

Matt (DC)

Has Ian Desmond actually improved at the plate or is this mirage going to wear off soon?

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

It's randomness.

Steve (Newark, DE)

Lincecum. Time to panic?

Klaw

  (3:11 PM)

Let's give it a few more starts before we panic. Pitchers aren't the same every time out in stuff or in results. I am concerned about his comments about his slider and his elbow, though.

Kevin (Alameda)

Tom Milone had the single flukiest start of 2012, yes? 8 shutout innings, 0 k's 3 BB's. Any chance he's more than a mop up guy? And why was he able to be so successful in the minors, but seems to have 0 chance to do anything near that in the majors?

Klaw

  (3:12 PM)

Command/finesse guy. Not a big league starter. Enough bad hitters in AA and AAA lineups that a guy like Milone can fare pretty well down there just by changing speeds and throwing strikes even with sub-meh stuff.

Francis (Toronto)

Which team do you think would be most likely to draft Gausman?

Klaw

  (3:13 PM)

I don't think he goes top four unless one of Zimmer/Appel gets hurt (or loses his velo). Anything from five on is in play - and KC at 5 did want a top college starter last year, only to have their first four choices (including Bundy, who was like a college guy) all chosen ahead of them.

MeisterNJ (Mendham)

Did you see Bruxton?

Klaw

  (3:14 PM)

Buxton, yes, blog post went up this morning.

Jake (Chicago)

Do you think Vitters can turn into an average starting 3rd baseman? Start is encouraging, but small sample size.

Klaw

  (3:14 PM)

Small sample size.

Klaw

  (3:15 PM)

I need a script to just insert "small sample size" every five minutes or so into the chat.

Drew (SF)

Tim Lincecum needs Tommy John surgery, doesn't he?

Klaw

  (3:18 PM)

OK, that's beyond panic.

Jason (DC)

So this is why Rendon fell to the Nats. With yet another ankle injury, should they hope he comes back with a strong second half and then get whatever value they can in a trade? Or at this point is he already tagged as injury prone by the rest of the league?

Klaw

  (3:20 PM)

I think it's way too premature to treat him like a fallen prospect. Get him healthy and consider whether he can continue to play third base. You already knew he couldn't handle second base - that was crazy talk - but the question becomes whether he can handle third, or whether Zimmerman has to move off third and Rendon becomes his eventual replacement.

Justin (Boston)

Which fan base whines the most about you allegedly hating their team? Gotta be the Orioles, right?

Klaw

  (3:20 PM)

At the moment, yes, because they're something of an industry punchline. In two years it'll be someone else.

Chris (DC)

How did Swihart and Vinicio look in Greenville last night? Did Swihart's defense at catcher look passable?

Klaw

  (3:21 PM)

Swihart scuffled receiving but he's still inexperienced back there. Vinicio's glove is way ahead of his bat, but he looks like he's about 14.

Jason (St Louis)

Pill has two errors in one play and he's starting again today? Why?

Klaw

  (3:22 PM)

He's almost old enough to play every day for the Giants.

Jason (St Louis)

Regarding the Buxton post, has a HS bat ever gone first overall?

Klaw

  (3:23 PM)

Justin Upton, Josh Hamilton, A-Rod, Griffey...

Mr_SKIA ( | )

I know that for many baseball stats, the sample sizes need to get up to close to 40-ish percent of the season to become significant and account for randomness. But at what point do you start getting concerned about terrible K/BB rates, from both hitters and pitchers?

Klaw

  (3:23 PM)

I wouldn't look at anything in April unless, say, someone had the yips and was walking 2-3 guys an inning.

Byron (Portland)

How many "sitting Belt against lefties," "Bundy in A-ball," "Jim Tracy is still a manager" situations will it take to get you back in a front office? Baseball needs you!

Klaw

  (3:24 PM)

You realize the people making those decisions don't think they need any help (let alone mine), right?

Tyler (CA)

If some team leaked an MLB prospect's woeful Wonderlic test score, would you, as a writer, feel motivation to publish a news story to tell the world of his score? Similar thing just happened with an NFL prospect and I consider the journalists who wrote the stories deplorable.

Klaw

  (3:24 PM)

I would not. I don't see the value in standardized tests anyway. It's a human cognitive defect that we attach great importance to a single number as a measure of something it can't possibly measure accurately.

Jason (St Louis)

Do you like foie gras? I recently learned the dirty details on how it's 'made' and was disgusted.

Klaw

  (3:25 PM)

So don't eat it. More for everyone else. (I've only had it once.)

Milt (Atltanta)

You recently mentioned a lack of life on Teheran's fastball. Can you explain? Also, is this relative to where he had been previously, or more general? I know we're dealing in small samples this year, but something seems off with him. Thanks!

Klaw

  (3:28 PM)

It's straight and up. A fastball can move a lot of ways - it can tail (like a two-seamer, moves to the arm side), cut, run (to the glove side, not sharp like a cutter - you might also hear that called "bore"), sink, or have "late life up in the zone" (think Matt Cain, a ball that never sinks but appears to speed up as it crosses the plate, which I assume is an illusion because it's not decelerating as expected). Teheran's fastball doesn't cut, run, bore, or sink, and it doesn't have life up. It's real hard and real true. I'd love to see him try a two-seamer - could be 92-93 with tail, and then you've really got something.

Klaw

  (3:28 PM)

Drabek's switch to two-seamers and cutters over the last year is a reaction to the lack of life on his fastball.

Dan (Tulsa)

What did you see out of Lance Lynn before he reached the Cards' bullpen last year? I believe I remember you advocated him in the rotation over McClellan at the time.

Klaw

  (3:29 PM)

I did, I liked the fastball, the aggressiveness, saw enough breaking ball and changeup for him to be at least a 5th starter.

Derek (work) [via mobile]

My Thursday afternoon work production has been sharply down for the last two years. thanks. Oh, and Dom Brown for Snider. Good idea?

Klaw

  (3:29 PM)

I'd rather have Snider.

brandon (dc)

did you watch matt barnes pitch in greenville? i heard he struck out nine in his debut. what is your overall impression of him?

Klaw

  (3:30 PM)

I missed him, but was told he was up to 97. Also heard Madison Younginer overhauled his arm action this offseason and is a lot cleaner in back, which at least gives him a chance to command the fastball.

Bob (New Hampshire)

A straight fastball, regardless of speed, will get murdered by just about anyone that makes it to the majors right?

Klaw

  (3:30 PM)

It's a good starting point when evaluating a pitcher.

Jerry (NYC)

Jeff Samardzija huh?

Klaw

  (3:32 PM)

Yeah. I think a lot of it is sustainable.

Andy (Fairless Hills)

Machado looks to be up to the challenge in Bowie. Smart idea to put him and Schoop there?

Klaw

  (3:32 PM)

Machado for sure. Schoop surprised me. Don't think he's that advanced as a hitter.

MeisterNJ (Mendham)

Who's the Mike Trout of this year's draft-not top 10 regarded, but can significantly outperform his draft position?

Klaw

  (3:34 PM)

That's probably a better question for late May/early June. For now, I'll say Carson Kelly and Anthony Alford.

Derek (work) [via mobile]

I'm going vegan in a week after a year of being vegetarian. What's the best cheese That should be my last?

Klaw

  (3:35 PM)

Go eat a pound of bacon. You'll feel much better.

Kevin (Alameda)

Is any pick in the draft more likely than Piscotty to Oakland? It just makes too much sense. And what's Piscotty's floor/ceiling?

Klaw

  (3:36 PM)

I've heard that from scouts, although again, it's early. I think if you get him away from Stanford and let him swing away and try to pull the ball, he'll have 20-25 HR power, and he's already got the hit tool and a solid eye. I am not sure if he can stay at 3b and if forced to choose I'd say he can't.

Dave (NJ)

Would you have called up Wieland, Erlin or maybe Kelly?

Klaw

  (3:37 PM)

Wieland.

Mr_SKIA (|)

Klaw, what is the likelihood that Kirk Nieuwenhuis be anything more than a fourth outfielder? Thanks as always.

Klaw

  (3:37 PM)

30%.

Dan (Boulder, CO)

Do you view Nolan Arenado as a future .300/.400/.500 hitter with the Rockies?

Klaw

  (3:37 PM)

Too high.

Derek (work) [via mobile]

Go kill a pig with your own hands and come back and tell me if you still want that bacon.

Klaw

  (3:38 PM)

Sure. Let me just change out of my work clothes. If that was supposed to bother me on some spurious moral grounds, though, you've missed your mark.

Don (Quad Cities)

Is there anyone in the minors right now that you'd predict with an obp of .400?

Klaw

  (3:39 PM)

I think a healthy Rendon could do that. I think Trout will do it. I'm starting to think Machado might end up there.

Greg (Philadelphia)

Victor Roache draft position? I read top half of the first round, but I can see him slipping to day 2.

Klaw

  (3:40 PM)

Top half of the first round? That sounds like one team slipping laughing gas into the A/C ducts leading into another team's draft room. Roache had major questions on his swing even before breaking his wrist and missing the year. He wasn't a top 15 guy when healthy. He's a day two guy now.

Phil (AZ)

Would you rather have Teheran through 2015 or Bundy through 2016? Yes, it's a fantasy-related question, and I don't need innings from either in 2012.

Klaw

  (3:41 PM)

Bundy. This likely won't happen, but there's a chance that the top 2 prospects in baseball next winter will both be Orioles.

Jay ((here))

Hi Keith, you mention Dante Bichette Jr. making a lot of progress with his swing. I know you weren't his biggest fan when he was coming out of the draft and with good reason, but do these changes to his swing change Dante's outlook at all? Thanks.

Klaw

  (3:42 PM)

I think they do, but I'd like to see him maintain these changes (and an improved two-strike approach) over a few months in full-season ball. What he did in rookie ball last year means very little - the level of competition there was too low. The new CBA may change that, since most HS players will now spent at least a month in complex leagues.

Matt (NJ)

Buxton's hit tool on the 20-80 scale? 35/60?

Klaw

  (3:43 PM)

Most scouts I've talked to would go 35/70 or 40/70. I feel better about 35/60. (That's present/future.)

Hammerheads (Sarasota, FL)

I know you don't like Eric Young. That being said, doesn't Young fit the needs of the Rockies center field options better than Colvin and Fowler? They need a true lead off hitter badly, and Young has always excelled in the minors OBP and Steals. Why not give him an extended look instead of part time like the last 3 years and watching Fowler suck.

Klaw

  (3:44 PM)

I think Young's minor league OBPs are largely skewed by being old for his levels and playing in some good hitters' parks. He's not a big walker, and his lack of power means pitchers should and will challenge him.

Brady (TC)

Will you be doing any ESPN draft day coverage?

Klaw

  (3:44 PM)

I think it's like last year - some brief hits on SC/BBTN on day one, then a big recap show after day two. I'll be online quite a bit during those two days with probably a chat each day.

Matt (Denver)

Travis Jankowski a 2nd rounder, or does he slip into the first/supplemental? And is he another Gary Brown?

Klaw

  (3:45 PM)

Not as fast or as good a defender as Brown. I also don't think Brown ends up a 4th OF but Jankowski might. I think he goes supplemental, but when it's all said and done I bet I end up with him ranked in the second.

Tom (Chi)

Short ribs or pulled pork?

Klaw

  (3:45 PM)

Better: Short ribs AND pulled pork.

Don (Quad Cities)

At what point would you feel comfortable giving up on Rasmus' tools and say this is the player he is? He's been in a funk for a long time now.

Klaw

  (3:46 PM)

End of this season. Feel the same way on Smoak. If those guys don't turn it around this year, they're not "done," but I'll concede.

Phil (NJ)

Most minor leaguers have improved numbers when repeating a level and may not be indicative of a player's true talent level. What are you (or any scouts/FO folks) really looking for when a guy is on his 2nd round through AA ball?

Klaw

  (3:47 PM)

Substantial improvements, especially in (but not limited to) BB and K rates.

Matt (Denver)

Brett Mooneyham a starter or reliever as a pro? And does he have 3rd/4th starter potential if he can be in the rotation?

Klaw

  (3:47 PM)

Starter, but back-end. He'll be on the top 100.

Klaw

  (3:47 PM)

That's the draft top 100, not next offseason's top 100.

Dan (SF, CA)

I won't stop watching, but am I right in thinking that Season 3 of Downton Abbey has serious potential to fall off a cliff? Still addictive, but getting soapier. Rapid time jumps in season 2 also a little annoying.

Klaw

  (3:50 PM)

I agree with pretty much everything you say. Plus they'll need to create a new central plot thread to replace the central Matthew/Mary "will they or won't ... oh of course they will" strand.

Craig (SF)

I know that studies have found that there is no such thing as "clutch", or at least a consistent ability to be clutch, but those studies (I think) define clutch as performing better in critical situations. I've always viewed clutch as just not doing worse in critical situations, so if a .300 hitter still hits .300 in 9th inning down by one, he would be considered clutch. From this standpoint, do "un-clutch" players exist? Players that consistently do worse in critical situations?

Klaw

  (3:51 PM)

I believe if such players exist, they're weeded out long before they reach the majors.

Sean (Boston)

When you cook duck, do you follow Ruhlman's confit technique, or do you roast it whole, or just use thighs/breasts? I roasted a full duck which only ended up average. The taste was ok, but the leftovers were less versatile than chicken or turkey. Any recommendations?

Klaw

  (3:52 PM)

Break it down. The various parts don't cook at the same rate. I almost never cook any poultry whole any more.

Steve (California)

With the new CBA, think we'll see any teams try to gain the system this year? Two ideas I can think of are taking seniors underslot in the Top 10 to give you some bonus money in the later rounds, and trading medicore arms / bench bats at the trade deadline for IFA cap money. Have you heard anyone in the industry talking about things like this??

Klaw

  (3:52 PM)

There are no seniors worth taking in the first round, but I think some teams will overdraft good-not-great juniors or HS players with lower demands and try to shift that money toward later picks.

Jason (Minny)

Is Correa a serious contender to go 1-1? How does his hit and power tools compare to Buxton?

Klaw

  (3:53 PM)

Outside contender. Not as fast as Buxton. Better hand-eye coordination, so better present hit tool.

Dan (Tulsa)

Is Kolten Wong in the appropriate level (AA) to get a good idea of his potential? I'd guess his stats were inflated last year in low A because of his age.

Klaw

  (3:53 PM)

I think that's fair.

T (NC)

Why do managers intentionally load the bases? See current Nats-Reds game.

Klaw

  (3:54 PM)

Another one of those "obviously stupid things experienced managers still always do" like drawing the infield in and bunting the two hitter.

Dave (NJ)

Would you consider forfeiting your first rounder perpetually to be able to sign anyone you want overslot, or is there too much value you have to give up?

Klaw

  (3:54 PM)

Too much value to give up. And I think ten GMs/directors have told me they will not forfeit their first rounders under any circumstances.

Aaron (Cincinnati)

Better (or less worse) deal. Votto or Phillips?

Klaw

  (3:55 PM)

Phillips.

TJ (NYC)

For someone who eats healthy you sure do like the worst food on the planet.

Klaw

  (3:55 PM)

Who said I eat healthy?

Steve (Philadelphia)

Floor on Marrero still Pirates at 8, or is his slide getting worse?

Klaw

  (3:55 PM)

I think I wrote that that was his floor 48 hours ago. Did he slide down a mountain since then?

Matt (DC)

What are you reading right now? Btw I hated the Great Gatsby, but am engrossed in Tender is the Night per your recommendation...thanks for that.

Klaw

  (3:56 PM)

Jim Abbott's memoir "Imperfect" and Andrew Ross Sorkin's "Too Big to Fail."

Sage (Chicago)

When you're scouting a player do you look beyond the mechanics? For example, his approach as he steps out of batters box, or composure on the mound between pitches

Klaw

  (3:57 PM)

Unless there's an obvious problem, I'd call those things extraneous.

Derek (work) [via mobile]

I was returning the snark back Klaw. In all seriousness, what's a good cheese to to out on?

Klaw

  (3:57 PM)

The King of All Cheeses, or, as my daughter calls it, "Parmiggiana-Pajama."

Dave (Pa)

You've called gambling a tax on the stupid, but why is it different for you to spend $100 on a nice dinner and me $10 on pizza and $90 on gambling. Both of us are getting enjoyment and I don't feel any regret for not having a $100 dinner.

Klaw

  (3:59 PM)

I have no problem with an adult choosing to spend $90 to gamble when he understands he's likely to lose most or all of it. But you sound like you understand the probabilities. I'd wager most people who play the lottery don't.

Chuck (Memphis, TN)

If you had your way, would the draft be abolished?

Klaw

  (3:59 PM)

Yes.

Mike (Long Island)

Too Big To Fail was so good that it scared the hell out of me, and I had followed the news accounts (many by Sorkin himself) very closely, so I already knew the punchline.

Klaw

  (4:00 PM)

I hadn't followed it that closely, so it's revealing to me how little I really knew or understood about what was going on.

Steve (California)

I think Franceour is just about the worst every day player in the majors, but what he did with the Oakland fans this week was just about the coolest thing ever.

Klaw

  (4:01 PM)

Yes. Or good strategy: Heckling insurance.

Eric (Los Angeles, CA)

LA Times food critic Jonathan Gold recently reviewed an underground dinner where everything item had marijuana in some way. What do you think?

Klaw

  (4:04 PM)

Intriguing. We cook with alcohol, and it doesn't always cook out. From a culinary perspective, this doesn't seem any different to me.

Steve (Fl)

Whats your prediction for Marisnick? Future All-Star or next Snider? (afterall, he is in the Blue jays organization)

Klaw

  (4:04 PM)

Future All-Star. I don't think the Jays have some horrible track record that it's fair to make the parenthetical comment. Snark should be earned.

matt (boston)

perhaps i missed this, but what's the problem with bringing the infield in? Are there stats that say it doesn't help?

Klaw

  (4:05 PM)

If there's good research on this, I'd like to see it. In most situations, though, it seems to me like trying to get the horse back in the barn by taking three of the walls off.

Jeff (Calgary)

Feel like answering one more before you take off? Sanchez has the fastball/curve combo, but worse results. Syndergaard had the fastball/change combo with better results. What makes you like the upside for Sanchez (who hit 98 this week) better?

Klaw

  (4:06 PM)

Much, much harder to teach (or find) a breaking ball than a changeup. And Sanchez does have a change.

Steve (NJ)

Bauer is closer to a promotion than Skaggs, correct? Any chance the Backs would promote both in '12 if they are in a race and improving two rotation spots might be the difference?

Klaw

  (4:06 PM)

In the second half, yes. I don't know who the Snakes think is closer to a promotion, but I would take Bauer first.

brandon (dc)

have you ever had hemp seed waffles or hemp seed anything? hemp seeds don't contain the active ingredient in marijuana, have a great nutty taste and are actually very healthy as they are a source of omega-3's.

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

No, but I did try the Mayesa cocoa beverage, which contains hemp protein. It was pretty damn good.

Steve (California)

Does Richie Shaffer make sense to the Mets at #12? Or is that too high for him??

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

I think that's about right.

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

As for making sense, I'm judging the pick, not the team. If he's the best guy on the board, and at 12 he might be, then he makes sense.

Phil (Memphis)

Pigs are ugly, chickens are stupid, cows just stand there and moo. But ducks...too cute. Can't eat 'em.

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

That cuteness is just extra flavor.

Johnny (Chicago)

Any regrets on the Arizona move so far? You've been there long enough to be settled in.

Klaw

  (4:09 PM)

None. Very happy out there. The worst part is being far from family, but I didn't tell them to live where when it's not cold, it's humid.

Dan (Utica, NY)

If Rafael DePaula of the Yanks was under consideration, where would he have ranked in your top 100 this year? What's his upside?

Klaw

  (4:09 PM)

Wouldn't have been in the top 100.

JJ (New York)

Any 2012 draftees play in the big leagues this season? Stroman has a shot, right?

Klaw

  (4:09 PM)

I think he's the most likely if someone takes him as a reliever. I'd try him as a starter first.

BK (Mpls)

small sample size to determine AZ. need a full year

Klaw

  (4:10 PM)

It's been 18 months, actually.

Andy (Madison, WI)

If you're doing a food hall of fame what's in your first class?

Klaw

  (4:12 PM)

Bacon. Short ribs. Italian-style (thin-crust) pizza. Gelato. Duck confit. I'd consider polenta, waffles, and poached eggs on the second ballot.

TJ (Boulder City, NV)

Why wasn't Antico "authentic" Napoli pizza?

Klaw

  (4:13 PM)

Center was too thick (there are strict rules on this), toppings cut too large, etc. Not even close. Tasted fine, though. I'd eat there again.

Neil S (right under your nose.)

Did you read about Dylan Bundy's first 2 starts, how high will he go this season? As an Oriole fan, this is some of the most exciting news we have!

Klaw

  (4:13 PM)

No, never heard of him.

Zach (Mpls MN)

Keith, I hope Hicks works out at the plate but I assume the worst case scenario would be going back on the mound, IIRC you had him up to 94 or more in HS. What would be the earliest you'd try for this? I would guess he gets this year plus 2013 in AA before converting. Thoughts?

Klaw

  (4:14 PM)

I would have said two more years, so yes, exactly.

Sage (Chicago)

Do you speak of a no hitter while its occurring?

Klaw

  (4:14 PM)

Yes, because I am not a crazy person.

Chris (Seattle)

How big a concern is Felix's drop in velocity early in the season?

Klaw

  (4:15 PM)

Same answer as on Lincecum - let's give it a few more starts first.

Matt (DC)

Chacne Alex Meyer stays as a starter? Good start in Hagerstown for him...

Klaw

  (4:15 PM)

Most teams viewed him as a future reliever out of the draft. I think a 6'8" guy needs more time to get consistency with his delivery before we consign him to the pen.

Steve (California)

Question - why don't more teams try to move failed position players to C? For instance, it's obvious Wilmer Flores isn't a SS and likely won't hit enough to play a corner infield position. What's the harm in seeing if he can catch? He's still college age and so would have plenty of time to learn.

Klaw

  (4:16 PM)

Flores doesn't strike me as a great candidate, but in general, yes, teams are too conservative about moving prospects behind the plate.

Craig (SF)

My dad brought this up last night: why don't we keep track of "sacrifice grounders" like we do sac flies and sac bunts?

Klaw

  (4:17 PM)

Because it's still a damn out. We should stop removing sac flies from batting average too (although AVG is probably beyond salvaging anyway).

Richard (Santa Clara)

What recipes have you tried out of Ruhlman's Twenty so far?

Klaw

  (4:18 PM)

Too many to list, but I'll recommend the scrambled eggs with goat cheese, the pork tenderloin, and every duck recipe.

Klaw

  (4:18 PM)

OK, thanks for all the questions this week - I'll be back next Thursday. And I'll be on ESPNU tonight from 7 to 7:30 and again after the Georgia-Ole Miss game.