Klaw

  (12:02 PM)

Looking forward to David Robertson differentiating himself by entering the game to "Hangar 18."

Sean (Killingworth, CT)

Nick Castellanos lighting it up in the FSL. Is his hit tool really this good?

Klaw

  (12:03 PM)

He can really hit. When you say "this good," though, do you mean "he'll hit .426 in the majors?" Then I'd have to say no.

Phil (D.C.)

So now that you have the top level of prospects numbered at seven, what does that leave the Pirates at No. 8, do you think?

Klaw

  (12:04 PM)

I've heard them with Deven Marrero quite a bit - Neal Huntington met with him last week. Doesn't mean he's absolutely their pick, but it's a fit, fairly fast-moving prospect, was a top-5 guy coming into the spring so he could be good value at 8. That said, I think most scouts have him outo f the top 10 now.

Trey (Boston)

Is Tony Cingrani for real? What type of upside does he have?

Klaw

  (12:05 PM)

He was my Reds sleeper prospect for 2012. Very good arm, but the arm action is extremely long and he may end up in the pen because of it. Has the weapons to start.

Greg (Oakland, CA)

Hey Keith, M. Taylor got promoted today, was doing well, went back to his 'old swing'. Any word on how he's looked, stellar results aside? Thank you.

Klaw

  (12:06 PM)

Was he doing well, or just benefiting from playing 12 road games in AAA, all in extreme hitters' parks? (Reno, Vegas, Tucson, 4 games apiece.) I'm not even sure what his "old swing" would mean, as he's gone through at least half a dozen.

Klaw

  (12:06 PM)

He looked awful in March, for whatever that's worth.

Paul (Houston)

What's your take on Altuve - real deal?

Klaw

  (12:07 PM)

He can really hit. Wish he walked more, not going to have much HR power, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him post a few years of .320+ averages.

Matt (Boise)

Any thoughts on the great Rivera?

Klaw

  (12:10 PM)

I have a short post on what the Yanks might do next already filed.

Charlie (Lakeland, FL)

Little out of your normal topics, but you'll probably give the most honest answer. Mariano has to be the first unanimous inductee to the Hall of Fame, right? How can anybody rightly not vote for him on the first ballot?

Klaw

  (12:12 PM)

First of all, Maddux has a better case for unanimity than Rivera. Second, there will never be a unanimous selection. There are far too many voters who put themselves over the institution as a whole and would view this as an opportunity to grandstand or merely to grab some attention. And the likelihood of a lone holdout increases every year as the electorate grows.

Shoshana (Boston)

If you were the Orioles would you take Correa at #4? I have to admit the college pitching prospects have me feeling really underwhelmed

Klaw

  (12:13 PM)

Quite happily, yes. There's a good case to be made that Correa will end up the best player in this draft class.

Nathan (Las Vegas)

So Klaw, what say you about P. Alvarez's recent turnaround? Sample size or legit?

Klaw

  (12:13 PM)

The sample size is far too small to call it legit.

Neil (Toronto)

SSS aside, have you noticed anything in Bautista's approach this year to lead you to believe he is no longer a dominant slugger?

Klaw

  (12:13 PM)

He misses the man in white, obviously.

Cousin Jim (Dalton, MA)

Are you prepared to retract your negative statements towards Dan Duquette following the Orioles terrific start?

Klaw

  (12:14 PM)

I don't know. How's Wada doing?

David (Va Beach)

Cubs looking hard at Giolito? Or do they go with a much safer, high upside guy, if there is such a thing? Like a Fried or Almora maybe?

Klaw

  (12:15 PM)

That's a medical issue; a healthy Giolito doesn't get to 6. I wrote last week that I have heard the Cubs linked to those other two names, so if you're asking me to confirm what I already wrote, then ... yes.

Nick (Long Island)

What's your opinion of Albert Almora? Do you see him as a top 10 pick?

Klaw

  (12:15 PM)

Plus defender in center, great swing, really good kid, zero doubt he goes top ten on merit.

Nik (Philly)

Which prospect has moved up the most in your view after the first month of the season?

Klaw

  (12:15 PM)

Nobody. Too small a sample.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

There are some other more highly regarded prospects in the Rockies organization, but I've been pleasantly sprprised with how well Tyler Colvin has hit...what's his ceiling, everyday starter?

Klaw

  (12:17 PM)

No. Platoon OF. You like that 1 BB/16 K in 42 AB that much?

Sean (Killingworth, CT)

Boegarts with a .950 fielding percentage in Salem. Any insight on how he has looked so far? Do you project a move off SS?

Klaw

  (12:19 PM)

I've always expected him to outgrow SS. I wouldn't treat a one-month fielding percentage as anything more than 0.9+RAND()/10.

Nick (Long Island)

Courtney Hawkins seems to be shooting up the draft boards. Have you seen him yet?

Klaw

  (12:19 PM)

Several times last summer. He's going top 15, probably not higher than 7, may not get past the Mets at 12 depending on who else is there.

Joe (Chicago)

There is talk that Bundy will skip A+ when he is ready to be promoted. I know you wanted him in AA to start, but would you have him skip A altogether?

Klaw

  (12:20 PM)

I don't think that would do him any harm, but it raises the question of why he was sent to low-A in the first place.

Ian (OH)

Any word on how Blake Swihart has looked defensively behind the plate? Was low-A an aggressive assignment given the relatively weak high school competition he faced in New Mexico?

Klaw

  (12:21 PM)

Saw him. Better than expected on defense. Worse than expected with the stick. I wouldn't call it "aggressive" but you may have the best explanation for how bad he's looked at the plate.

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

Can we please make this move smoother by telling everyone don't ask if so-and-so is for real or if you've changed your projection based on what's happened so far?

Klaw

  (12:21 PM)

It won't work. I appreciate the thought, though.

Evan (New York)

Brandon Belt the full-time 1st basemen now?! Do you think this will last?

Klaw

  (12:22 PM)

For about two at bats. Given how positive Bochy was about getting Huff's bat back next week, I can't say I'm optimistic about Belt getting regular PT.

Bob (Sacramento)

Should Shelby Miller have stayed at AA another year? He's getting hit around in AAA so far.

Klaw

  (12:23 PM)

He's punched out 29 in 23 innings. Oh, and SMALL SAMPLE SIZE.

Nora (St. Louis)

What's Lance Lynn's ceiling?

Klaw

  (12:26 PM)

I'd go with a solid 3. League-average starter to slightly better. Always liked his competitiveness. Throwing harder right now than I anticipated.

Nick (Fishers, IN)

How awful does that Sean Marshall trade look now that Marmol has imploded and Wood has his typically injury prone season. Zero of the prospects that Marshall returned will ever play meaningful innings for the Cubs.

Klaw

  (12:27 PM)

Yes, because what would really save the Cubs' season is 50 good relief innings from now through October 1st. And nice hyperbole on the players they got back in the trade. If you're setting the O/U at 1 inning, I'll take the over.

Brian (Jacksonville)

I've seen you mention that you don't put stock into UF's Preston Tucker because he's older than his competition. That is true, but does his early career success in the SEC get written off? He was very impressive when he was younger than SEC competition. I get that there are holes in his swing that influence his stock-- I was just curious about your stance on the age part of it.

Klaw

  (12:27 PM)

The age is a factor, but the swing/approach are bigger concerns. He's all dead pull and unless that changes I don't see him hitting well in pro ball.

Jeremy (Wisconsin)

What are your thoughts on a few of the "big guys" in the 2012 draft class. (Cherry, Traver, Smoral, etc.) any of them day one picks?

Klaw

  (12:28 PM)

Smoral if a team is comfortable with his medicals (he's out with a stress fracture in his foot). The other two are not day one guys - raw arm strength without secondary or command.

Rich (SRQ)

Thoughts on Tim Beckham suspension?

Klaw

  (12:31 PM)

It depends on what it was for, which I don't believe has become public. I couldn't care less if players want to smoke pot in their spare time - I don't even think possession should be a criminal offense, and I say that as someone who has never touched the stuff - and I think it's comical that a joint gets you 50 games but driving while absolutely hammered gets you nothing. I don't know whose interests are being served here.

Arin (D-town, Ca)

Why are the Giants playing Crawford at SS everyday? He can not hit and he is struggling in the field. Makes no sense.

Klaw

  (12:32 PM)

Remember the 'new swing' reports on him from March? Occasionally those reports do mean something. Usually they don't.

Andrew (PA)

I've played Dominion and really liked it. Looking into picking it up...any expansions that you consider required?

Klaw

  (12:33 PM)

Intrigue, for sure. I think the base game needs at least one expansion so that the "Big Money" strategy isn't so strong.

Evan (New York)

Keith, you have good taste in music. Give David Robertson some song nominations for his entrance music... I'm thinking Golden Age hip-hop

Klaw

  (12:33 PM)

Stetsasonic, "Talkin' All That Jazz."

Sean (ny, ny)

I've read that Domingo Tapia is throwing high 90's fastball, mid 90's slider, what are your thoughts and who do you project him to be in a best case scenario?

Klaw

  (12:35 PM)

Mid 90s slider? Didn't that at least set off an alarm bell that something wasn't right? Kiley just saw him pitch, 93-96, said he threw very few offspeed pitches.

Matt (Delaware)

You do realize that what you put in this chat is really only your opinion and whether you want to believe it or not others are allowed their own as well. You write and with such arrogance it really detracts from the points you make.

Klaw

  (12:36 PM)

And yet ... here you are. If you want others' opinions, go read their chats. If you only want your own opinions, go stick your head in a vacuum and shout all you want.

Andrew (Colorado )

why is deven marrero no longer in the top 10 for prospects?

Klaw

  (12:37 PM)

Because he's not hitting, and not playing with a lot of energy so far. You can get away with a small slip in performance in your draft year, but not a huge one.

Jeff (Ohio)

Keith sorry for bringing this up every week but I haven't heard your opinion yet and I'm interested. Does the inane Phillips extension effectively block Billy Hamilton from ever being a Red? I think you said he probably won't be a big league shortstop. Could his bat possibly project at 3B if he can slug .400-.425 and steal 60-70 bases at a high success rate?

Klaw

  (12:37 PM)

Put Hamilton in CF if his arm permits it.

Lee D (LA)

Keith, I know the studies show that "hot streaks" are not real. Two comments: Matt Kemp? And more importantly, are slumps real? It seems like a player could be doing something fundamentally wrong that leads to a slump that is more than statistical noise?

Klaw

  (12:38 PM)

I agree with that. I also think we're poorly equipped as fans to identify those issues while they're happening. (Not always, but usually.) And it's far too easy to just say "slump" rather than "typical random variation across a small sample."

Patrick (Chicago)

Ticket To Ride, Carcassonne, or Puerto Rico for an under 12?

Klaw

  (12:39 PM)

Not Puerto Rico. Other two are excellent choices. Also consider Lost Cities, Battle Line, or Jaipur - all excellent two-player games.

Jerod (Portland, OR)

Klaw, any advice on board games for a fairly advanced five year-old?

Klaw

  (12:39 PM)

My daughter's been playing Carcassonne since she was four. I think that's a great starting point.

joe (san francisco)

Thoughts on Tommy Joseph?

Klaw

  (12:41 PM)

Power, arm strength, defense improving. Solid prospect.

Hogie (DC)

Lots of board game talk, but no "whoops I was wrong- Bryce Harper IS ready for the bigs.". Got it.

Klaw

  (12:42 PM)

Based on less than a week of playing time? This is not a chat for the math-challenged.

John (Richmond, VA)

Do you have a mock coming anytime soon?

Klaw

  (12:42 PM)

May 15th. Top 100 ranking on Tuesday.

Dan (DC)

Might it be more accurate to say that hot streaks are "real", but since we don't know when they might end, they have no predictive value?

Klaw

  (12:43 PM)

Saying they're "real" implies that there's some sort of dependence between at bats. I'm not comfortable with that.

David (Charlotte)

Tommy Hanson has lost 5 mph from his fastball. Is this because of his new delivery.

Klaw

  (12:43 PM)

Might be because he hurt his shoulder last year.

Falco Lombardi (My Spaceship)

Apparently you're never allowed to be mistaken with an opinion without thousands of people overreacting and calling you out.

Klaw

  (12:43 PM)

This is the job. I can't exactly complain about it, but I can certainly mock the overreactors.

Steve (NYC)

Does it seem like the narrative on Harper is finally changing? Now that people are seeing that A: his teammates like & respect him and B: he's at Eckstein on the Hustle-O-Meter, do you think we're past all the nonsense from his MiLB days?

Klaw

  (12:44 PM)

I think there will always be spite and jealousy directed at him because he is so prodigiously talented, and simultaneously so confident and easy about it. It's absurd, but it's life for a sports star.

Joe (Chicago)

Fernelys Sanchez, top 5 round pick?

Klaw

  (12:45 PM)

Maybe before he got hurt. Maybe still now on a below-slot deal.

Stros Fan (Hell)

So if you agree that Altuve can hit (albeit with little to no power), what about JD Martinez's ceiling? Can he a regular OF? Or is he a 4th OF at best?

Klaw

  (12:45 PM)

Fourth OF.

Joe (Chicago)

Regarding Wada, I agree that it was terrible to give a guy whose best case scenario is a LOOGY a three year deal, but don't think it is fair to criticize Duquette for him getting injured.

Klaw

  (12:45 PM)

If I remember correctly, there were signs he was hurt before they signed him. I didn't rank him in my top 50 (the back of which was atrocious) for that reason.

Matt (No Cal)

Will you be seeing Correa before the draft? How does he match up with Machado on both sides of the ball?

Klaw

  (12:48 PM)

Saw him on Wednesday. Machado has a better chance to stay at SS. Correa's a big boy for 17. But he can really mash. If I were with Houston, I'd be considering him at 1-1, and I can't see him getting out of the top 7 in any circumstance.

Letty Jones (Miami)

I wonder if all these people will give you their emails so you can criticize their wrong opinions.

Klaw

  (12:50 PM)

Except I wouldn't do that. Taunting someone for being wrong is incredibly immature. Being wrong isn't just part of this business, it's part of being human. Often it means you took a risk, or thought about things differently.

Joe (Chicago)

Jon Schoop is really struggling in AA. I know SSS, but he also didn't hit much in A+ either. Did the Orioles rush him?

Klaw

  (12:50 PM)

He's very young for the level - I thought he belonged back in high-A, but perhaps they crossed up their Schoop and Bundy assignments.

John (Phoenix)

Patrick Corbin, the first of the D-backs pitching prospects, made his debut this last week. What is his ceiling?

Klaw

  (12:50 PM)

Fourth starter.

Luke (MD)

Hearing anything about who the O's are "on" at 4?

Klaw

  (12:51 PM)

Best player available. I imagine that's one of Buxton, Appel, Correa, Gausman.

junior (san diego)

thoughts on alexi amarista and donn roach...

Klaw

  (12:52 PM)

Utility guy and maybe a back-end starter. Liked Roach when I saw him at CSN, hasn't thrown as well in pro ball.

Jeff (Detroit)

The tails of the distribution do happen. When they do you should be wrong. If you're right, and therefore living in the tails, over the long-term (and the term doesn't have to be all that long) you're actually more foolish than the person that was wrong.

Klaw

  (12:53 PM)

That's incorrect, or at best incomplete. It depends entirely on how much you've invested in those opinions that reside in the tails.

Mario (Henderson, Nevada)

Did you get a chance to see Gallo in Vegas this weekend? Thoughts on what teams might be in on him? Still a mid-, late first rounder?

Klaw

  (12:54 PM)

I did. Only two scouts there, neither of whose teams would be taking him in the first round. Big raw power, will swing and miss, lot of teams still prefer him as a pitcher.

Bryan (STL)

Enough on the prospects. When are the Cards going to give David Freese a real contract? He's only making $500K this year. About time for a healthy contract extension? In your opinion what do they give me him?

Klaw

  (12:55 PM)

He's only making $500K this year because the CBA says that's about what players make before they're eligible for arbitration.

Chris (Baltimore, MD)

Keith, I'm sure you know this, but in 2009 you wrote the following about Giancarlo Stanton's swing mechanics: "Unlike a lot of taller guys who collapse their back sides as they swing, he straightens up as he follows through. I also can see the elements that lead to his low contact rate -- his long arms create holes inside, he has a one-speed swing that's always quick and hard, and there's a timing element to the way his weight drift comes to an abrupt stop."Could this flaw exacerbate his ongoing struggle with pain in his left knee? If so, do you think we'll see him alter his swing to deal with it, similar to what Jason Heyward did last year?

Klaw

  (12:55 PM)

That's a good question, but probably a better one for Stephania than it is for me.

Alex (Oakland)

Rio Ruiz... round 2 talent? Or does he slip down a little bit more?

Klaw

  (12:56 PM)

Sandwich round talent if he'd been healthy enough to play, but he's been out most of the spring after a procedure to clear a blood clot. It doesn't affect his skill level, but it means scouts haven't had opportunities to evaluate him.

Chad (STL)

Before you answer.. Bryan doesn't represent us all.

Klaw

  (12:57 PM)

No, but he may write those offseason wire stories about Player X getting a 500% raise when he just became eligible for arbitration for the first time.

Hiroki (Fukuoka)

Any news on J.Soler?

Klaw

  (12:57 PM)

I'm telling you, he's a hypothetical construct, designed to screw with the minds of hardcore baseball fans everywhere.

Brandon (NY)

Speaking of opinions, where does Tim Welke's out call on Hairston rank on the all-time umpire egregious calls list? At least the blown perfect game call last year was somewhat close...

Klaw

  (12:59 PM)

It's up there with the Mauer postseason hit that Phil Cuzzi just knew in his pancreas was actually a foul ball.

Graham (Chicago)

Do you think Matt Barnes will be moved up from A ball soon, and how do you think his performance so far has changed his prospect status?

Klaw

  (12:59 PM)

Wasn't he just moved up to Salem (high-A) last week? I assume he'll be there at least a couple of months.

Eric B (Evanston, IL)

The gun at KC says Duffy hits 99 regularly and fairly deep into his starts. I know stadium readings are often a bit high, so how hard does he actually (throw as a starter)?

Klaw

  (1:00 PM)

That gun's been crazy hot all season. But I've heard he's been up to 95-96.

Shaun (Vancouver, BC)

Hey Keith - any opinion on what's wrong with Dustin Ackley and Justin Smoak? Both are really struggling after being highly touted prospects....

Klaw

  (1:00 PM)

I'll refer everyone again to the USSMariner piece on Smoak's inability to identify a big league slider, which was excellent work. Ackley I'm not worried about.

Kevin (MN)

You said Top 100 on Tuesday. How long before publishing do you finish work on something like that?

Klaw

  (1:01 PM)

I started the fresh version this past Monday. I'll file it Monday evening. A number of scouts/execs have seen versions of it already, so what you see will have been vetted to some degree by other sources.

Dan (M'Ville, VA)

just saw bob's questions. sorry. excited about the new sherlock season coming on PBS?

Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

Definitely. Also, when someone makes a film about Van Morrison and Them, Benedict Cumberbatch needs to play the lead role.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Which extension did you like most from the team's perspective - Niese's, Mad Bum's or Holland's?

Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

Bumgarner's most. Niese's least.

ac (OR)

There isn't much higher comedy than seeing people tune in for a chat and then complain about the person doing the chat. Keep up the good work, KLaw.

Klaw

  (1:03 PM)

They can send their refund requests to /dev/null.

Beau (New Orleans)

Is Matt Adams a real prospect? What's his ceiling and likelihood of reaching it? Thanks, Klaw.

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

Yes, a real prospect, flesh and bones and all that. Plus-plus power, dicey plate discipline. Could end up a star if that latter bit improves.

Frank (AZ)

TMZ is reporting Adam Yauch has died.

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

I just saw that. Awful news.

Derrick (Chicago)

Addison Russell going top 10?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

Highest I've heard is 11.

Will (Clarkston, MI)

Pedro Alvarez is now at 242/286/576. Is a full season of that, with a few more points on the OBP and a few less on the SLG, essentially his upside?

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

I could see that. .260/.320/.500? Or .550 even? That's probably the ceiling.

Tommy (New York)

If Oscar Taveras keeps showing pop as a teenager in Double-A, does he enter the realm of a top 15 prospect by year's end?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

He's one of the best pure hitting prospects in the minors, and I will say that the more he hits at higher levels the less concerned I get about the unorthodox swing.

Matt (NJ)

would you start correa at SS once he signs or move him right to 3b? Will he stick at 3b or is he going to slip down the spectrum from SS all the way to LF or 1b?

Klaw

  (1:07 PM)

He might be the rare guy I'd move right to third. Usually I favor leaving prospects where they are until it's absolutely necessary to move them, but he might be good enough a hitter that you want to move him right away.

Seth (Boston)

this is a draft chat not a baseball chat. sad sad sad

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

Right, the draft and baseball are two totally separate topics, and it's not like I'm ESPN's main draft analyst or anything.

jason (muskegon, mi)

Is there anything to the Cincy W-L record of hanigan vs mesoraco catching or is this just small sample size at the team level?

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

SSS.

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

Besides, if you think Mesoraco needs to improve on defense, it's probably a good idea to PLAY HIM on defense.

Ermias (CA) [via mobile]

Yesterday Jim Tracy intentionally walked the tying run on with 2 outs in the 9th, that is completely incompetent right? Albeit it was Matt Kemp with Dee Gordon on deck, but I was still shocked he would even consider that decision.

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

Yes, it is completely incompetent, and totally unsurprising.

Eric (Atlanta)

Any chance that Zunino falls out of the top 5?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

10%? No more than that. Scary that he's been so mediocre in conference this year.

Tim (Albuquerque)

Read your write-up on Border Grill and Bouchon. Border Grill is a very underrated spot IMO. Any other suggestions for the trip to LV? Would prefer non-Strip places.

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

Firefly and Lotus of Siam. I'll send you the address for the thank-you fruit basket later.

Rich (Rockies)

19 yr old Oscar Taveras is hitting the living crap out of the ball in the Texas League. Would appreciate your overall view, including ceiling and arrival time.

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

Aside from the answer above, I'd refer you back to my top 100 rankings from February, since he made that list.

Ryan (NYC)

Jeurys Familia's been pretty wild so far this year. What kind of reliever do you project him as -- top-end, closer type or more of a middle guy?

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

He'll pitch with a 7 or 8 fastball in relief. I suppose he could be Jesus Colome, but I'd like to think he'll be good enough for leveraged work.

Jeff (Downingtown)

Will Dylan Bundy get the call this year--maybe September?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

That would absolutely shock me. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but if they were in that frame of mind, they wouldn't have started him in Z-ball.

Tom (Chi)

Are you a polenta fan? If so, what kind, and any recipe recommendations? Want to pair it with Colicchio's short ribs.

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Yes, I make it weekly. Alton Brown's recipe works great as a base. You can customize from there. I like to add soft goat cheese for a smoother polenta.

Dan (Ohio)

Does Lindor have star potential?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Yes.

Pete (SF, CA)

Any thoughts on the Pulitzer not being awarded this year? From what I read, the voting rules should be overhauled.

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

No more egregious than the board refusing the panel's recommendation for "Gravity's Rainbow" 40 years ago.

Ryan (Houston)

If the jairo beras situation doesn't get resolved by this summer will he automatically go back on the market or would he still be eligible for the contract the Rangers signed him to?

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

I can't see MLB just putting him back on the market, and thus under the new CBA, without resolving the dispute.

Arnie (NY)

Keith, who has the highest upside among Danny Hultzen, Dylan Bundy and Taijauan Walker and when would you expect them to reach the majors

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

I think Bundy's the best of the group. Hultzen is the lowest upside and the fastest to reach teh majors.

Andy (Milwaukee)

Had a chance to see Joey Gallo a few weeks ago...was really impressed with how hard he played. What is it about his swing that leads to questions about the hit tool? Thanks and love the chats!

Klaw

  (1:14 PM)

It gets long and he swings and misses at HS pitching more than most prospects. Missed a fastball by about a foot the day I was there, which you don't see a ton.

The Dude (Malibu)

DUDE! When you state a player's ceiling, there must be different odds of any individual player reaching their ceiling (player x has a No. 2 starter ceiling but a 20% chance of reaching it, player y has a No. 3 starter ceiling but a 70% chance of reaching it). How do you place this in your overall evaluation of prospects?

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

It's always incorporated into rankings, draft or pro.

Rich (Bayonne, NJ)

Charleston team is loaded. I know Williams has started to get noticed more often by casual fans, but how good is this kid? Star potential? Also, Tyler Austin seems to be hitting extremebly well. Does he have above average regular potential with the bat?

Klaw

  (1:15 PM)

Yes, and yes. Would like to see Williams work on working the count. Would like to see Austin playing 3b (but he can't with Bichette there).

Matt (Atlanta)

What does Andrelton Simmons most need to improve on before he can be an everyday shortstop? He obviously has the defense.

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

Everything about the bat. Potential 80 defender at short though.

Rob (Houston)

Game recommendation: I play San Juan with my 12-year-old and he likes it. Of course, he beat me the first two times we played, which might have something to do with it....

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

Yep, another good rec.

craig (chicago)

Giving out the pulitzer to the wrong book is not as bad as not awarding it at all because it leads to fewer books being sold.

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

Right. And really, there wasn't a single book worthy of it last year? How likely is that?

Michael (Houston)

Favorite Beastie Boys song?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

"Hey Ladies." That whole album is as unbelievable today as it was when it came out.

Jeff (Detroit)

If it were your decision to make, would you have Medlen or Delgado in the Atlanta rotation going forward this year? Thanks.

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Medlen.

Stephen (Sacramento)

Kindle or Nook?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Dead trees.

Craig (Minnesota)

Keith, the Twins HAVE to take the Stanford arm or Byron Buxton at #2 right? Whoever is left for them at that spot? I swear if they take another low-ceiling control arm or position player again, I will snap. Thanks!

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Gausman? Correa? Zimmer? None of them are low ceiling.

Chris (LA, CA)

Keith, if you liked Border Grill, next time you are in LA you should try Susan Feniger's Street. It is just up the street from Mozza.

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

On it, thanks.

Shoshana (Boston)

Any Orioles prospect worth following other than top 3?

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

Bridwell, Delmonico... their lower-level clubs are interesting.

---- (----)

Hey Keith I don't expect you to post this question, but hopefully you see it. You mentioned on the podcast last week that you experienced depression at some point in your life. As someone who is currently struggling with an anxiety disorder (cost me my job about 3 months ago) I know that the whole "you're not alone" thing is very helpful. If you want, I know a Dish post recounting your experience and how you came to manage it would be very helpful to all of your readers who have experienced depression/anxiety. And I'm sure you would find support in your readership. Anyways, I understand if it's not something you want to do, but it's just a suggestion.

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Thanks, and I'm sorry to hear about your struggle. I wish I had sage advice to offer, but the truth is I didn't deal with it well - I spent most of that period in denial that anything was wrong.

Will (Austin, TX)

Would love any KC restaurant recommendations in the downtown area. Thanks a lot.

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Never been downtown. July will be my first time.

Tim (STL)

Could you please clarify something? When Wainwright pitches this year, the incompetent Al Hrabosky is always quick to point out that when returning from Tommy John surgery, the first thing to return is command, and then velocity. Am I mistaken, or is he completely wrong?

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

He has it backwards.

Tyler (Wi )

What do you think of Tyler Thornburg of the brewers minor league system? He seems to dominate as a starter but I've read that he will have to move to the bullpen to make it in the Majors.

Klaw

  (1:21 PM)

Bullpen guy. Extreme flyballer, high arm slot, shorter guy, can't generate plane ... lot of reasons he shouldn't start. But he could be very good in relief, and right now.

Ron (Washington, DC)

Hi Keith. Is A.J. Griffin a potential middle of the rotation starter? What were the concerns about him coming out of the U. of San Diego for the 2010 draft? Are they still concerns?Griffin's strikeout and walk rates at Stockton and Midland have been really good in 2011 and early 2012 ... nearly as good as his rates at lower levels in 2010 and 2011.

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

Fringy fastball. This is what he has to do to succeed - he's a command guy, not a power guy.

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

Also, on KC, I'm not eating anything but Q that weekend.

Klaw

  (1:23 PM)

OK, flight is starting to descend. Thanks for all the questions - I'll be back next Thursday (once again from a chair ... in the sky!).