Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

It is a small miracle I'm not doing this chat while still sitting in construction traffic on I-85.

Rick (Oakland)

Given the Cubs' distance from contention, are they likely to go for upside (e.g. Giolito or Correa) at 6?

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

Begging the question. A team's distance from contention should have no effect on its drafting strategy - and that will be true with the Cubs, since it's a rational front office now.

thomas (new york)

There is a rumour that is goiing around AAA under the radar about the real age of Yankee prospect Manny Banuelos. The are saying that he is closer to 25 or 26 then the 21 listed.What have you heard

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

I have heard nothing of the sort and would attribute it to people who think all Latin American players come from the Dominican Republic.

Grant (Wpg)

Is Adam Lind done? Anything to say on Yan Gomes?

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

Probably, and no.

Camden (Newark, DE)

What would carry more weight to you, a 19 year old SS holding their own in AA or dominating at a lower level? (Think Manny Machado). Thanks.

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

The former, actually. Someone asked me on Twitter why Machado was so hyped since his stats aren't any good. Age matters.

Bill (NOLA)

Are you really so pro-robot umpires that you'd be willing to use incidents as ugly as the Lawrie one as a catalyst for change?

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Ugly incidents become publicized and cause change. Everyday offenses never spark real change, not in sport, not in life.

Sam (Columbus, OH)

How does Almora profile in CF? And do you like him for the Cubs over Correa because of the added positional value (as Correa is unlikely to stick at SS long term)?

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

True centerfielder, future plus glove. I'd be fine with either guy; I prefer Correa, but my preferences among the top 6-8 names are pretty fungible, at least to the point where if Houston took any of them I could make a good argument in their favor.

John (Cincinnati, OH)

Can Betances help the Yankees pen?

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

I'd like to see him show he can help the AAA pen first.

David (Bethlehem, PA)

Why wasn't the umpire team in the Lawrie game not suspended for DUCKING THE PRESS? How do they get away with that?

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

They've got less accountability than a member of China's Politburo.

Koz (Gilbert, AZ)

With the draft fast approaching, a reflective moment of KLawmility - who are some prospects off the top of your head that you thought would become stars and just never developed - any particular reason? Ignoring injuries of course.

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

Looks like Smoak belongs on that list. He looks, at least right now, like he is so afraid of missing a fastball that he's completely useless against offspeed stuff.

BP (Newark)

You're in favor of players throwing their helmets at robots ? Loser.

Klaw

  (2:12 PM)

Ninja robots. They'd be able to get out of the way.

Jake (Carlsbad, CA)

Can Nate Freiman be an everyday first baseman in the majors?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

No. I actually saw him his senior year of high school ... as a pitcher. 85-89, breaking ball wasn't bad. April 13th, 2005. It snowed on the way home. In a related story, I don't miss New England.

chauncey (teaneck)

You are not serious about having ninja robots are you?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

Are you scared?

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

Klaw, why doesn't this "taional front office" the Cubs have now trade guys like LaHair (while he's hot), Garza, and quit picking up vets like MacDougal and signing Wood? Oh wait, Ricketts needs to sell tix, forgot...

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

Because it's not that easy. The market for players is neither fluid nor efficient. You see few trades in May in any year, and you need a buyer to trade a guy like LaHair.

Shaun (Chicago)

Hearing about many HS kids turning towards college football/basketball instead of the guaranteed draft money this year because of the CBA?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

I don't know if I could ever ascribe a kid's decision like that specifically to the CBA. Anthony Alford told scouts to stop coming because he's going to play football. Jameis Winston probably wasn't signing anyway.

Pete (York)

You're on the record for Marrero to the Pirates and I have no reason to think otherwise. Good pick or should I hope for someone else in particular?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

He's in their mix - most likely candidate, not a lock, per my sources. I think they could do better, but it's not outrageous to take a guy at 8 who was seen as a lock for top 5 prior to the season.

Ryan (Hanover, PA)

Starting to buy the Orioles yet?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

No, of course not.

Forsyth (Boston)

Where can I find a write up about the Salem/Carolina game that you watched last night?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

It's in my head right now. (I was driving all morning.)

Misrahi (Tallahassee)

Not even half way through the season, but are the Marlins looking like winners in the Zambrano trade? Volstad may be under team control, but he's a quad A player at the moment...

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

You're ignoring years of control.

Evan (Atlanta)

Ignoring for a moment probability/readiness/etc. which pitcher has the best stuff in this draft? Appel? Stroman? McCullers?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

Raw stuff? Probably McCullers. Stroman has the best stuff/readiness combo.

Ted (GA)

What (if anything) are you hearing about Andrelton Simmons' hitting so far this year?

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

Same as last year. All contact, not a patient approach, no power. I see a sure big league regular, not an impact guy.

Hogie (DC)

You a Ross Detwiler believer now?

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

Let me save everyone some time. It's May 17th. Asking me if the last six weeks have made me a believer on ANY player with an established track record is delusional.

Craig (VA)

Thoughts on the College World Series? If you had to pick today- who wins it?

Klaw

  (2:19 PM)

Best team, talent-wise, is Florida. Doesn't make them the favorites, though.

Andrew (SF)

Trevor Bauer has no problem issuing 'smart' walks and fly balls. Seems to be the opposite of FIP. He misguided, or on to something?

Klaw

  (2:20 PM)

The flyballs aren't a factor in FIP, but in xFIP, which I don't think has the same reliability as FIP - we've seen a few guys, like Matt Cain, who appear to have control over their HR/FB rates and thus 'break' xFIP. Bauer could be one of those guys too.

Mr_SKIA

Dillon Gee a candidate to be better going forward? I know you weren't high on him as a prospect, but he has the 13th best xFIP in the NL, and the 9th best K/BB. Is he just somehow imminently hittable?

Klaw

  (2:20 PM)

I think he is, yes. Fringy stuff.

Chris (Florida)

You still think Fontana is a first rounder?

Klaw

  (2:21 PM)

I don't think he goes in the first round, and I have him ranked as a sandwich guy.

JK (Chicago)

Death is not an option. Which toolsy White Sox outfielder with contact issues do you take between Jared Mitchell, Trayce Thompson, or Keenyn Walker?

Klaw

  (2:21 PM)

Mitchell. Best feel for the game of the three.

Dave (Schenectady)

What are your thoughts on Xander Bogaerts? A 19 year old holding his own, at least offensively, in high A. What do you think his ceiling is?

Klaw

  (2:21 PM)

Saw him last night so I'll write more about him later, but the BP was really impressive. Ball flies off his bat. Timing was off at the plate, though.

Jason (St Louis)

If you were in charge of the pick would you take Buxton first?

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Given what I know right now, yes. But bear in mind I'm ignoring signability and don't see the medicals that teams see.

Tom (Louisville, KY)

Is Moyer's presence in the Rockies' rotation more of an indictment on the inability of the team to develop minor league or perhaps should it start informing us on the fungibility of back end starter types, i.e. "pitcher value in a WAR context is still misunderstood"

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

More the former than the latter.

Steve (Illinois)

If your son had a scholarship to play baseball to Vanderbilt and was a third round pick. What would you advise him to do?

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

It would depend on my own financial situation - and if the kid was a hitter or a pitcher.

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

(That's one of the few schools that would really put me on the fence. If you'd said Stanford, or Rice, I'd have said "take the money and run.")

rob (ontario)

Which of the Blue Jays pitching prospects has the most upside, Sanchez, Nicolino, Syndegaard or Norris

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

Sanchez. I suppose you could argue for Syndergaard, but I have a hard time presuming a breaking ball when discussing ceiling.

Bob (Boston)

Are you doing a mid-season prospect ranking?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

Top 25 update next Thursday (one week from today).

Garrett (California)

Speaking of ATL, Frediot apparently wants to keep his two best OBP guys (Chipper and Heyward) hitting 6th and 7th regularly. Between that and regularly pitching Durbin in close games, is it safe to assume that Fredi is actually a negative WAR manager?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

I believe he is, yes.

MJ (Edmonton)

Hecchevaria's hitting at AAA: Real progress, Las Vegas creation, or SSS (or a combination of the 3)?

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

Vegas, baby.

Mike (Vancouver)

What individual tools or pitches get an 80 grade from you in this year's draft? I'm guessing Buxton speed and Gallo power... McCullers slider?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

You named the first two. No on McCullers. Magnifico has an 80 fastball, if we're grading him as a reliever. You hit 102, you get an 80.

Jason (St Louis)

Regarding your top 25 revision, anyone that's been promoted is excluded right? Even if they've been promoted and sent back down?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

I won't include anyone in the majors when I file it. Do we have someone in the category you're mentioning?

Mason (Denver)

Any preliminary thoughts about Jackie Bradley, after seeing him last night? He seems to off to an impressive start, especially in terms of OBP.

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

He looked good, not trying to hit for power, trying more to use the whole field which I think will be his game. Approach was good, but he's not exactly young for the level.

Drew (Madison)

Keith, what have you heard about Joe Ross this year? He's been good, then bad, then good and now hasn't pitched in two weeks.

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

On DL, no structural issues.

Justin (St. Louis)

How good has Jose Fernandez looked at SAL?

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

Talked to a guy who saw him this week, said he was absurdly good, only two pitches but both plus.

jeff (jax)

Game Question: Looking for a 2 player game for an advanced 4/5 yr old. what would you suggest?

Klaw

  (2:30 PM)

My daughter was 4.5 when she started playing Carcassonne on the iPod. Took her a while to get the hang of it but she liked it right away.

Dave (Dallas)

Profar or Machado? Does it depend if Machado can stay at SS

Klaw

  (2:31 PM)

If you think Machado is a SS, he's the call. I happen to think he is. But you wouldn't regret choosing Profar.

Sam (Columbus, OH)

Any word at all on Dillon Maples injury? And if so, potential return date?

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

Arm of course. As for timing, let me check my watch ... looks like I'm half past caring.

Andrew (orlando)

Hey Keith what is it that scouts look for in college hitters to make them potential top prospects? I'm a UCF fan and DJ Hicks was CUSA preseason player of the year and has had a really solid year offensively but I haven't heard him anywhere close to the top 15 rounds of this years draft.

Klaw

  (2:33 PM)

Bat speed. Power. Pitch recognition. You've got to show the skills, tools, and/or mechanics to be able to hit better quality pitching in pro ball.

Justin (Evansville IN)

What do you think Padre fans can expect from a Byrnes-directed draft? Are they likely to draft bpa or will they go for signability? thank you

Klaw

  (2:33 PM)

BPA. Hearing them on all the names you'd expect.

Ryan (Hanover, PA)

If the O's had pick #1 in this draft, who would they select?

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

My guess would be Buxton. They are absolutely taking BPA. He's on top of most scouts' boards.

Jason (St Louis)

Where would Buxton have gone in the 2011 draft?

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

I think 7th or 8th, due to higher risk around his hit tool.

billyshears (New York)

You had the Mets taking Wacha in your mock draft. Given that last year the Mets noted that they were hunting for upside in the draft and, BPA notwithstanding, the strength of the Mets system is upper level pitching prospects, I think a low ceiling college pitcher is an unlikely selection for them. Who else have you heard that the Mets are on?

Klaw

  (2:35 PM)

I listed several other names there. The difference here is that you're trying to impute a draft strategy based on public statements (including those from a scouting director who now works for another club), while I'm trying to assemble a projection based on what sources in the industry are saying about individual team preferences.

Jon (CT)

Hi Klaw, I see that you have the Dodgers picking Ty Hensley in your mock draft, but he is only ranked as your 36th best prospect. Would you consider it a reach and what would you say his potential is?

Klaw

  (2:36 PM)

I think it's a reach but it's a typical high-upside play for them. Also hearing them on David Dahl.

Tarek (NYC)

Can I throw my mouse near you if you blew 3 draft slots really badly?

Klaw

  (2:36 PM)

If you do, you'll be suspended for four chats.

Robert (Owasso)

Do you see Dylan Bundy making 2013 rotation for Baltimore. Ive seen him pitch several times, is an incredible kid with superstar potential. Where do you see Brian Ragira in 2013 draft?

Klaw

  (2:37 PM)

I think he should make their rotation next year, but I don't know if they'll allow it. Ragira doesn't profile for me - plays 1b now, might be fine in LF/RF, but doesn't have the power for any of those positions.

JT (Michigan)

It's a false narrative to suggest that this year's Rule IV crop is down because the hard slots sent players to other sports......but could you see some talking heads putting this out there?

Klaw

  (2:38 PM)

The timing is wrong - if that effect occurs (and I think it will) it would be a few years before we'd see it.

Koz (Gilbert, AZ)

Hak Ju Lee has struggled since his promotion to AA last year, but I know you are VERY high on him - but it's enough to be more than just SSS at this point. Likely related to his young age for the AA level? Playing hurt? Any swing issues?

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

He's had some bad luck and some mechanical issues that the Rays feel like they've worked out.

Mike (CO)

I hope the Rockies don't draft a pitcher they can "fix" in the 1st round.

Klaw

  (2:40 PM)

I keep hearing them with Courtney Hawkins. That would be a strong pick at ten.

Sean (Phoenix)

Did you see Jansen's strike call against Goldschmidt in the 9th on Monday? It was a foot in and a foot up and the Ump called it a strike several seconds after it his the mitt. Umps need to be quality checked.

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

The delayed call is another thing that MLB needs to stamp out. The sequence of non-call/player assumes ball four/ump calls him back for strike/vengeance call should never happen. Zero tolerance.

Oriole Bird (Baltimore)

Everyone makes the comparison: Bauer to Lincecum. Is it a fair comparison and can Bauer have that immediate success?

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

No. Lazy comp.

Bob (Tinley Park, IL)

Klaw, I'm starting to feel a draft. Zunino - I know you had him going to KC in your mock - beneficiary of lower stds for catchers or is he on par with other top catching prospects of the past?

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

He's not Wieters or Posey.

Andreas (Hamburg)

I know you like the DH. Would you also consider to introduce separate teams for offense and defense ?

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

No. That ignores the workload and effort level required to be a major league pitcher.

Jack Travers (A Bus)

Speaking of Courtney Hawkins, could you see any scenario where he slides to the Cards at 19?

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

No.

frozendesert (Columbus)

Hey Keith, thanks for the chat. I bought Ruhlman's Twenty and Alton Brown's I'm Just Here for the Food on your recommendation. Being a poor med student with limited amount of space, I've been searching for alternatives for an outdoor charcoal grill. I've had the best results with braising in the oven, while the George Foreman that I bought hasn't been too great. Ruhlman and Brown don't give an opinion on countertop grills (that I've read so far), and I was wondering if you had any recommendations for alternatives to outdoor grills or a strong opinion either way on countertop grilling.

Klaw

  (2:42 PM)

You have one in your kitchen already - the broiler.

Harry (Phoenix)

Can Cody Buckel have Bauer's success at higher levels?

Klaw

  (2:43 PM)

I'm not comfortable with Bauer's 8 starts this year becoming some kind of new standard for success. Buckel's good, four pitches, locates, great feel, not a ton of upside left because he's not projectable.

Ty (Silver Spring, MD)

Do these Strasburg rules drive you crazy too? They wasted half of 2010 "protecting him" in the minors and now this absurd talk of a set # of innings being more "protective". Innings clearly was not the culprit last time around.

Klaw

  (2:44 PM)

Not really. They clearly need to handle him differently than a pitcher who's not coming off TJ. Whether this is the right protocol is another matter.

Eric (Washington, DC)

Keith - Do you ever remember this many picks being legit possible first picks? Seems in most years if teams went outside your top 2-3 picks for 1-1 it would have been seen as a major mistake.

Klaw

  (2:45 PM)

I don't. Generally not a great sign for a draft class.

Justin (Evansville IN)

Do you see the Padres as a team that may overdraft at seven and save the money for their comp picks?

Klaw

  (2:45 PM)

I have not heard that with them.

Grant (Wpg)

With Alford or Winston, would there be any point in a team picking one and letting him play baseball in the spring / football in the fall and hope he eventually chooses baseball? Or is that just wasting everyone's time?

Klaw

  (2:46 PM)

You'd have to sign him to a multi-sport deal, which could easily be money down a rathole. Jake Locker got a quick $100K or so and never had to pick up a bat.

John (home alone) [via mobile]

What is best case for Milw with 2 first round picks, anyone that can help soon?

Klaw

  (2:47 PM)

You don't want help soon - you want the best players. I projected them with two HS kids, but I've heard they'd prefer to mix them up with one prep kid and one college.

Jeff Sullivan [via mobile]

In Boston to see Stroman pitch. What are the chances he remains a starter and what is the highest/lowest you could see him getting picked?

Klaw

  (2:47 PM)

I've heard top 10, but can't find a team there that would do it. Doubt he gets out of the top 20. I think there's a 10-20% chance he can remain a starter and a nearly 0% chance that any MLB team allows him to.

Misrahi (Tallahassee)

With the marlins 2011 pick dominating single A, should they be moving him along to AA by now?

Klaw

  (2:48 PM)

If you're talking about Fernandez, you're skipping a level with him. Same evaluator told me Adam Conley was 93-96 with a good changeup. Still no breaking ball though.

Casey (Hawaii)

What did you hear over the weekend to go from the Twins taking Zimmer at 2 to falling all the way down to 14? Growing concern over his velocity drop? Injury? Did he throw a helmet at someone?

Klaw

  (2:49 PM)

He's been mostly 90-92 the last month, missing one outing due to a hamstring strain. He's not hitting 98 like he did in March. Pretty good chance he stops at 7, though.

Steven (Kingsport)

If you redid the Klawhammer Top 100 prospects today would Jackie Bradley, Jr make the list?

Klaw

  (2:50 PM)

Based on 100 at bats at a level for which he's not young? No. Could he be there at the end of the year? Sure.

Grant (Wpg)

Instead of blaming Lawrie or Miller - why didn't the Man in White tell Lawrie what was coming?

Klaw

  (2:51 PM)

He's been busy straightening out Bautista the last few days.

D (Baltimore)

Pittsburgh has drafted in the top 5 every year since 2006 and done an awful job. More back luck or more bad evaluation/drafting.

Klaw

  (2:53 PM)

Little of both. Taillon and Cole look fine right now, so I wouldn't include them in your assessment.

John (MN)

Any sign in your draft conversations that the Twins might start looking at high upside arms rather than nearly ready college arms with low upside?

Klaw

  (2:54 PM)

I've heard them on Zimmer, and I know they've at least considered Giolito, so yes, they're looking at high upside arms.

@Jaypers413 (IL)

I'm assuming he won't be part of your next blog post, so I wanted to know if Salem's Travis Shaw is anyone to write home about.

Klaw

  (2:55 PM)

Not really. Same age as Bradley, but plays a corner and not a great athlete.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Are we seeing a physical breakdown in Lincecum's body, or is there a mechanics issue that he is struggling with?

Klaw

  (2:57 PM)

Might just be wear and tear. He has thrown about 1500 innings just since high school without breaking down ... if that's the end of his elite years, that's still pretty good for a guy who faced questions about his mechanics.

bryce (tijuana)

how do bubba starlings future 20-80 5 tools rate against buxtons future gradesspeed:power:bat:defense:arms:thanks man appreciate and enjoy your work thanks

Klaw

  (2:57 PM)

Buxton has more speed; Starling has a lot more power.

paco (fun dog)

hey keith I understand buxton has 70 and 80 arm,speed,and fielding but what are byron buxton's future grades for batting and power?

Klaw

  (2:58 PM)

I have present and future grades in the player capsules - there are about 22 up now, have a bunch more to file.

Matt / Charlotte [via mobile]

has the ship sailed for the prep arms the Pirates drafted since '09

Klaw

  (2:58 PM)

Saw Dodson last month, he's a prospect.

harrison (st catharines)

i remember at the time of the miguel sano signing his bat was compared to puljols and a-rod. I thought it was ridiculous at the time but now I believe it do you?

Klaw

  (2:59 PM)

He's not that advanced a hitter, but has the huge raw power to earn comparisons like that.

Frank McCourt (Los Angeles)

Gausman, Shaffer, Johnson (and anyone else that I'm missing)....what could have been if I would have let my amateur scouting people do their jobs?

Klaw

  (2:59 PM)

They made a pretty good run at Gausman. That's not entirely fair to the Dodgers.

Eric (Milwaukee)

Of the Brewers' top 4 pitching prospects (Peralta, Bradley, Jungmann, Thornburg), any of them have top of the rotation potential? Or the first three more mid-rotation guys, with Thornburg back end of the bullpen?

Klaw

  (3:00 PM)

No aces there. Thornburg's a pen guy. Bradley hasn't been good, velocity down, still no breaking ball to speak of.

Ted (Wilmington)

I seem to recall you were high on Walter Weickel very early this spring. What has caused his draft stock to fall?

Klaw

  (3:01 PM)

Velocity was off a little, and his arm slot had drifted upwards which cost him side-to-side command. Have heard he's finished more strongly. I'd love to get him in the back of the first round.

Shawn (ny, ny)

I know it's a small sample size and he's repeating the league but is Wilmer Flores starting to become an elite prospect again? He's hitting for power, low strikeouts and still making contact

Klaw

  (3:02 PM)

Repeating the league for the third year, no? He's really going to have to rake to profile in an outfield corner.

jamie (va)

cooking question - when making rice or cous cous, the directions are usually bring to boil and simmer x minutes. It seems like no matter how low I turn the simmer, it end up boiling over a few minutes. Any tips (I use a 2 qt sauce pot. thanks.

Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

I use the lowest setting on the stove. I often do rice in the oven at 350 (15 minutes for white, 45 for brown).

Tom (Windsor)

At what point do the Jays realize that Thames, even though he is batting better than most guys on the team, needs to be replaced with Snider. I mean the guy is horrible in the field!

Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

I don't quite get their fascination with him. The bat is nothing special either.

George (KC)

Wil Myers has been mashing the heck out of the ball, but he sure is striking out a lot. Does that concern you and is the new power a product of his home park?

Klaw

  (3:04 PM)

No, it doesn't. Too small a sample. I think the power is real.

Bob (Corbin,Ky.)

First of all,really appreciate the hard work you put in so we can all enjoy what you do.Do you think that the reason why the Orioles are being slow with Bundy is because of what has happened to their other prized pitching prospects(Matusz,Tillman,etc.)Or are they just being foolish?

Klaw

  (3:04 PM)

That wouldn't surprise me. But Matusz didn't flop because he was rushed - he flopped because his velocity disappeared, perhaps because he got hurt.

Dan (Warrensburg, MO)

Any Division II prospects that you see going in the first five rounds?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

Stephen Johnson at St. Edward's is the only D2 guy on my top 100. You'll hear a bunch of JC kids though as teams look for signable players.

@Jaypers413 (IL)

Who will likely be in KC first between Montgomery and Odorizzi?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

At this rate, I feel like it'll be Odorizzi. Montgomery can't string together three decent starts.

Charles (Santa Maria, CA)

After seeing the Visalia-High Desert scores and knowing about other parks like Lancaster and Bakersfield, is anything produced in the Cal League come with an asterisk, or can you fairly evaluate players who come through there?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

You can scout there. You just can't fall in love with a stat line.

Kyle (Austin, TX)

Chances of Gausman getting popped at 1-1?

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

Nonzero.

DF (Wilmington, N.C.)

Is Chris Owings for real, or is this Cal League/repeat stuff? Numbers look good in some ways, but lots of K's against few BB's, which seems to be an ongoing problem for him.

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

He can't walk. It's like a wiring problem.

Greg (Tacoma)

Hey KLaw, love the chats and the Mock 1.0. You mentioned that M's have recently been eyeing arms, but after selecting Hultzen last year who knows what they will do. So I'm curious if you have heard them at all on Almora? After selecting players like Franklin, Ackley, Littlewood, Miller, and Hultzen it just seems like a Jack Z type player: instincts, makeup, and pedigree.

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

I believe they would take Buxton or Correa over Almora, which, since they're picking second, would settle the matter (if I'm right).

Marcus (DC)

Kieth, Can you explain to me why Yu Darvis is getting so much publicity/hype and Wei-Yin Chen is getting none? If you compare the numbers, Chen is actually has a better ERA and WHP, while walking less batters and is 4-0. The only thing Darvis is doing better is strikeouts.

Klaw

  (3:07 PM)

Well, strikeouts are pretty important. But Chen has been very good, absolutely.

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

OK, the chat software seems to be acting up so I should probably wrap this now. Thanks for all the questions. I'll be on ESPNU tonight at 7 pm EDT for College Baseball Live and again on the postgame show. Plus I'll be at the Big 12 tournament on Wednesday and part of Thursday, so if any of you will be over in Bricktown feel free to seek me out.