Klaw

  (3:01 PM)

The calendar on your wall is ticking the days off ... to draft day. And Klawchat.

Troy (PA) [via mobile]

The pirates have been connected to marrero in the draft but I would take giolito, fried, or Almora over him. What are your thoughts and what would you do?

Klaw

  (3:02 PM)

I've posted an update in the mock that has them on David Dahl over Marrero. They'd take Almora or Zunino if there, but if not, they'll do Dahl.

Miles (Philadelphia)

Rookie question: How many rounds are we getting tonight? 1st and sandwich?

Klaw

  (3:02 PM)

Exactly. Not a bad question at all.

Kevin (NorCal)

Thanks for the chat. Seems like we're hearing 10 names or so as possible to the A's @ #11. They being tightlipped?

Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

I've heard three - Gallo, Russell, Heaney - unless someone falls. I don't know where the 10 names thing comes from.

Andrew (Long island )

Any chance you see the meta taking Lucas giolito?

Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

Zero.

Chris (Pgh)

A Pittsburgh beat writer revealed that the Pirates are coverting Stetson Allie to a position player and putting a bat in his hands. Has the organization mis-managed him and is he a prospect off the mound?

Klaw

  (3:04 PM)

I'm doing mostly draft questions today but this is worth bringing up. He was always a big risk because of command issues - started throwing strikes at the end of his senior year, the Bucs decided to roll the dice, and it didn't work. As a third baseman he had raw power and a plus arm (of course) but was awkward in the field and I thought he was power-before-hit. Not a $2 million bonus guy as a bat. But I'm not burying the Pirates for aiming high - the old system encouraged it.

Chad (OC)

Any chance Chase DeJong sneaks into the Supp Round?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

Yes. I like him there, too good to call him a sleeper but just someone I like in that range.

Matt (Minn)

Where would have Buxton been drafted in last years draft?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

8th.

Stache (BC.com)

KLaw, any news or rumblings on Heaney jumping into top 5?

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

Mostly the Seattle rumor I've been mentioning for a few weeks. Outside shot at 5, but I think they'd do Fried over Heaney.

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

That assumes Gausman is gone for KC.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

Are you thinking the Pirates take Dahl as a negotiated under-slot or as the best player available? Do they have him ranked higher than Fried or is it that they've decided they're taking a bat regardless?

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

I would expect that to come in under slot.

Cameron (California)

You're hearing Correa strongly tied to Seattle. That means they'll take a fringy second rounder, correct?

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

Seriously. I think the M's just like screwing with me. I'll get you one day, McNamara.

Kevin (Baltimore)

In a dream scenario, if Buxton fell to #4, would the O's take him in a heartbeat or do they value Gausman higher?

Klaw

  (3:07 PM)

They'd take him but I agree that's a dream scenario, not that likely.

Frank (DC)

Keith: Hearing Orioles will take Freid? Is that as awful as it sounds? Images of Matt Hobgood are dancing (clumsily, mind you) in my head....

Klaw

  (3:07 PM)

I've heard that as a possibility, yes. Also hearing him 5, 7, and 9. Fried ain't Hobgood. And Hobgood was better when healthy.

Michael (Tennessee)

Everyone says they think Appel is going #1 but how do they really know? The astros have been very quiet havent they?

Klaw

  (3:08 PM)

Yes. And there's no deal in place, or even a firm decision.

Tom (LA)

This chat is going to suck if you keep answering, what are the chances so and so falls to pick such and such. How do you know?

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

If you think I have no idea, why are you even here? Door's on your left.

Steve (San Diego)

% chance Seattle pops Correa?

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

That might be over 50% right now. It's moving fast.

Gene Mullett (Columbus, OH)

Any chance Giolito falls to Cleveland @ #15? If Giolito is gone, but Heaney & Stratton are available, which would you prefer?

Klaw

  (3:09 PM)

Chance, yes, but don't believe they'd take him. I would, but it's not my money either.

Klaw

  (3:10 PM)

To put it another way: I would rather take Giolito in round one at 15 and punt in round two to pay him than to take a slot guy with each pick.

John (TX)

From what you've heard would you be suprised if the Astros took Byron Buxton?

Klaw

  (3:11 PM)

Mildly so. But it's such a reasonable selection - same for Correa - that I couldn't really be that surprised.

Steven (Minneapolis)

Any chance the Twins are on Correa at 2?

Klaw

  (3:12 PM)

They had him in for two predraft workouts.

Jason (St Louis)

Didn't MLB say they didn't want teams punting picks to game the new system?

Klaw

  (3:13 PM)

Sort of. They said don't take bogus prospects. I meant take a decent college senior or a JC kid who'll sign for half or a quarter of slot - but is still more than just a warm body.

Beau (NOLA)

Klaw, as a Reds fan, what do you think the best outcome could be at 14? Was very pleased with Giolito in your latest mock.

Klaw

  (3:13 PM)

Then I'm sorry to report they're not taking him.

Craig (DC)

Would Giolito make sense for LAD? Obviously they love prep arms and I'm assuming new ownership might be willing to pay him the 5% above slot they can go w/o losing a pick. Or is slot too low at 18?

Klaw

  (3:13 PM)

Yes, it makes sense but it would probably be overslot.

Mike (Queens)

Why do you say that the Mets have a 0% chance of taking Giolito? A couple of Mets beat reporters are saying they are leaning toward taking him.

Klaw

  (3:14 PM)

Because my sources say they are taking a hitter.

Marshall Hook (Boston)

Your ranking has Buxton and Correa higher than Appel - but seems like reports are saying Astros are taking Appel. Do you think that's a mistake for them, or does it make sense despite your rankings?

Klaw

  (3:15 PM)

No. My rankings this year are really 'soft' up top - you could shuffle the names a little and I wouldn't really argue. I recognize the flat nature of the top tier this year.

Jim (Cali)

Who are some guys you think are falling? Seems like Zimmer is most likely. Does he have a floor?

Klaw

  (3:16 PM)

Zimmer, yes, floor might be White Sox at 13. Shaffer finished poorly and could slip to the early 20s.

Ray (St. George, Utah)

I still see you have Hensley to the Dodgers at 18. Many other respected mocks have followed suit. Is he climbing up the charts buzz-wise, or does it just seem like a Logan White pick, given the track record?

Klaw

  (3:16 PM)

I've heard them directly linked to him multiple times.

Joe (Tewksbury, MA)

Why does height matter for a pitcher? If he's got the tools why do I care that Marcus Stroman is built more like Muggsy Bogues than Shaquille O'Neal?

Klaw

  (3:17 PM)

Because short pitchers have trouble getting downhill plane on their fastballs. A flat fastball at 96 is still pretty easy for a major league to put in the air, especially if he sees the pitcher three at bats a game.

Derrek (Norfolk)

Where would Giolito be drafted if he didn't have signability issues?

Klaw

  (3:18 PM)

I think the elbow (even though I think it's fine) is more of a variable than the signability.

Dave (Lake Zurich, IL)

You have the White Sox picking Heaney and looking at Barnes at #48. Are the White Sox soley looking at college players or are they more open to looking at the whole field with the new draft system in place?

Klaw

  (3:21 PM)

Actually I'd add Mitch Nay to their list at 48 too. Power bat at 3b but will move to RF/LF in pro ball. Grandfather played in the big leagues too.

Josh (Lansing, MI)

Is there any chance the White Sox take a high schooler, or should I expect a fast-moving, lower-ceiling college pitcher?

Klaw

  (3:22 PM)

The only HS kid I've heard them with is Smoral - otherwise college arms like Zimmer, Heaney, Wacha, etc.

Jeff (NYC)

Duane Underwood a reach at the end of the first round?

Klaw

  (3:22 PM)

I mean, so slight that it would be unfair to use the term. And he's just 17 with the potential for a lot of physical development.

nate (wv)

But even if Giolito's elbow is bad and he needs TJ that's not the end of the world right? Success rates are a lot higher than they used to be.

Klaw

  (3:23 PM)

True - but he doesn't need the surgery either. I wonder how much of the concern about him is over perception ("you took a guy with a bad elbow") rather than reality.

David (Toronto)

What do you think of Richie Shaffer, 1B, Clemson?

Klaw

  (3:23 PM)

We have scouting capsules posted for about 120 players right now, including Shaffer, whom I like due to his bat speed and raw power.

Sean (Lexington)

The SS from Arizona, Alex Mejia was player of the year in the Pac 12, but didnt crack your top 100 which surprised me a little. Not a prospect at all?

Klaw

  (3:24 PM)

There's a lot of ground in between "top 100" and "not a prospect at all." I like him, not terribly toolsy but can hit a little and has a chance to stay at SS. Conference player of the year doesn't mean anything relative to his pro prospects though.

kent (nyc)

for comparison purposes, did you haveT rout as a 55 arm? Buxton is about the same right?

Klaw

  (3:24 PM)

Buxton was 90-93 for me and reportedly touched 99. That's better than a 55 arm.

Jeff (Baltimore)

Heard a scout compared Correa to A-Rod. That's a bit rich, right?

Klaw

  (3:26 PM)

A-Rod stayed at short for a long time, and could have stayed longer. Correa almost certainly moves to third. That makes it rich. Correa's pretty damn good with the stick though.

Hurt Russell (Brielle)

What are the chances Zimmer drops out of the top 10? 10% or so?

Klaw

  (3:26 PM)

40%.

Chad (STL)

Since it is your chat, this seems relevant. Are there are scount capsules that you simply disagree with? I think everyone would be interested for players that you see something in, that others may not have.. Or vice versa, really.Thanks, I'll hang up and listen.

Klaw

  (3:27 PM)

If you're referring to the ones we posted, I wrote about 80 of them, and Kiley wrote most of the rest with Jason handling a few guys from the northwest. So you're getting my opinion on most players.

Clay (Charlotte)

Several place linking Rahier to ATL. Considering their history of being conservative (read:cheap), what are the chances he signs?

Klaw

  (3:27 PM)

100%. Not a cheap pick though - I really like his bat.

Jeb (Chicago)

What is Giolito's supposed asking price?

Klaw

  (3:27 PM)

As far as I know, and I have asked a lot of people, he hasn't put out a number.

@Jaypers413 (IL)

Could you rank these for me - Correa, Machado, Profar?

Klaw

  (3:28 PM)

Profar, Machado, Correa. Not a knock on CC though.

Mike (California)

Tony Renda has put up huge numbers at Cal. Despite his size, I see him being a great pro. Do you agree?

Klaw

  (3:28 PM)

Not at all. Classic SWG who's very fringy at second.

Tom (Chicago)

If Almora and Carrera are gone for the Cubs at number 6, who do they turn to then?

Klaw

  (3:28 PM)

Fried or Heaney. Maybe Zunino.

phitenfighter (GA)

if gausman goes 2, where does buxton go

Klaw

  (3:28 PM)

3.

Joe (Laguna Beach, CA)

Seems like the Dodgers are desperate for bats in their system. Why won't they take one in the first?

Klaw

  (3:29 PM)

They'll take best player available. It's the only way to drat.

Klaw

  (3:29 PM)

...draft.

Tania (Rio de Janeiro)

What will the Milwaukee Brewers do in round 1?

Klaw

  (3:29 PM)

Bom dia. I have a mock draft that went up earlier this afternoon with my forecast for the first round, including some updates on picks that changed/where I had it wrong: http://bit.ly/KYdILN

Danny (NY)

Are you chatting during the draft ? Tweeting picks/other useful info during draft ? or just sitting home watching on TV and writing analysis to be posted after the first round is over ?

Klaw

  (3:30 PM)

I will tweet picks if I hear them, and am waiting for TV to confirm if/when I'll appear to talk about it.

Tim A. (KC)

Hey Keith... Big Day... How does this year's top 10 Draft talent compare to the projected 2013 top 10 talent? The question I am asking is would you rather: have a top 10 talent from this year and next year... or have 2 top 10 talents next year? Thanks

Klaw

  (3:30 PM)

I'm not that up on the 2013 class yet, but I do not get the sense that it's any stronger than this year's.

Doug (Santa Barbara)

Buxton sounds a lot like Trout. If they were in the same draft, would you want one over the other? Any intangibles to separate them?

Klaw

  (3:31 PM)

Trout was much younger on draft day and had a more advanced approach.

Netland (Minnesota)

Kenny Diekroeger #2 to Twins ??? Who do think they're targeting to go over slot for?

Klaw

  (3:31 PM)

I did not project that - I don't have Diekroger going in the first round.

matt (orange county)

Hi Keith,Not sure if my question went through the 1st time, but do you see LHP Kyle Twomey going today?

Klaw

  (3:32 PM)

Very possible, much more likely sandwich than first.

Von Fricke (Alpharetta)

Whats the latest on Gueller? Still Philly @ 40?

Klaw

  (3:32 PM)

If he doesn't go to the Brewers or Yanks or another team in the early sandwich (maybe Twins?).

Craig (Azerbaijan)

Red Sox draft Stroman at 23? chances?

Klaw

  (3:32 PM)

Doubtful. Also, I'm calling BS on you being in Azerbaijan.

John (Boston)

does Rhett Wiseman go in the first 5 rounds?

Klaw

  (3:33 PM)

No, he should go to school. Won't sign after the first round and really isn't worth that kind of money right now.

Brady (miller)

what time is the draft?

Klaw

  (3:33 PM)

Starts at 7 pm EDT.

Daniel (Anaheim, CA)

Bonus pool question: Since the Angels aren't picking until the 3rd round, can they use their 1st and 2nd round money to take a player who fell for signability? Or do they not even get that money in their pool because they didn't have picks there?

Klaw

  (3:33 PM)

They don't get that money. You only get bonus pool money for picks you actually have.

Seth (Walnut Creek Ca)

Paul Blackburn (RHP Heritage HS Brentwood CA) have his name called today?

Klaw

  (3:33 PM)

Early tomorrow, I think.

Cameron (CA)

What's the most likely 1-2-3 scenario you're hearing?

Klaw

  (3:34 PM)

Right now, Appel, Buxton, Correa.

Joey (SC)

Will SS Corey Seager, who is expected to be a 1st round pick, going to sign or fulfill his commitment and attend the University of South Carolina?

Klaw

  (3:34 PM)

If picked in the first round, he'll sign, I believe.

Lucio (Houston)

Around which rounds should Nick Williams from Galveston Ball be expected to be selected?

Klaw

  (3:36 PM)

Not today. Probably doesn't matter after that. He really fell this spring, probably needs to go to school - committed to A&M but still rumors he could go to JC.

BHM (Big Top)

If available, would Rodon go 1.1 this year?

Klaw

  (3:37 PM)

I don't think so. Great arm, present command isn't there.

Scott (Sarnia)

Will Stroman likely be the first player to the bigs?

Klaw

  (3:37 PM)

Yes.

Drew (Pittsburgh)

Could you compare Mark Appel vs Gerrit Cole. Thanks

Klaw

  (3:37 PM)

Cole threw a little harder and had a better out pitch (changeup). Both guys are athletic with clean deliveries but see their fastballs squared up more than you'd like. Neither got to call his own pitchers in college.

Bernard (New York)

If Soler were in this draft, where might he go?

Klaw

  (3:38 PM)

Somewhere between 4 and 9.

Klaw

  (3:38 PM)

He'd also probably get about 10-15% of what he's actually going to get.

Connor (Lake Mary, FL) [via mobile]

Who will the rays pick in the draft on your Mock draft? I don't want to pay for the magazine to read it.

Klaw

  (3:40 PM)

Sign up for digital delivery instead. You're paying for Insider and you get the mag free.

Consigliari (CA)

Klaw. Just heard from a source that a kid who doesnt have a first round grade has gotten feedback from two teams that they are considering him with the second of their two firsts (incl sandwich). It would be a reach - so might this indicate those teams are eyeing Giolito and already considering a cheap alternative to bookend end him with?

Klaw

  (3:41 PM)

Hypothetically, that would just mean they want that savings for somewhere else in the draft - could be with their other first, could be with sandwich/later picks. You are completely flexible under the cap.

Jerry (Texas)

Have you ever considered going back to the front office to work for a MLB team?

Klaw

  (3:41 PM)

No, never, and definitely not from a team near you.

Ben (Pitt)

In Re:Allie - Better to make the switch now while he is young than to wait while they try "fixing" him?

Klaw

  (3:42 PM)

Yes. More time away from hitting = lower chnace of success.

Paul (KC)

To clarify: "You only get bonus pool money for picks you actually have" should really say "You only get bonus pool money for picks you actually SIGN", correct?

Klaw

  (3:42 PM)

That's true, yes.

Alex (Nevada)

Do you think Gallo can stick as a hitter or is he destined for the mound?

Klaw

  (3:42 PM)

I think he'll hit enough to get to the crazy power.

John T (Eagan, MN)

I feel like people are underrating the fact (I assume it's a "fact") that Correa's only 17. I know that in the NFL and NBA drafts there is a positive correlation between success and younger draft age - I would think the same would hold true for the MLB draft.

Klaw

  (3:43 PM)

It does - several teams, including Oakland and St. Louis, have utilized that information for years. There's a reason rosters at showcases have always included DOBs.

Dom (Pennsylvania)

Why do you have the Pirates taking Deven Marrero when Hunington (GM of the Pirates) recently stated that the Bucs where going after the best available player, regardless of position?

Klaw

  (3:45 PM)

First of all, I have them taking Dahl now. Second, just because *I* don't think so-and-so is the best player available, or *you* don't think so, doesn't mean that every team agrees.

George ((Park Ridge, IL))

Kevin Goldstein says the Cubs are the favorite, but not prohibitive favorite, to sign Soler. Is that how you read that situation. Thanks in advance

Klaw

  (3:45 PM)

I haven't done much work on that subject, so I'd point you to Kevin there.

Ryan (KC)

You graduated Summa cum laude from Harvard?

Klaw

  (3:47 PM)

Magna. Summa is for the smart kids.

Jonathan (Tampa, FL)

If Ryne Stanek were in this year's draft would he be the top pick?

Klaw

  (3:47 PM)

Doubtful. I wouldn't rank him there.

TD (PA)

What is Victor Roaches status and likely draft range?

Klaw

  (3:48 PM)

Can't imagine he's picked today after the wrist injury and a rough summer on the Cape.

Bella (Edmond, OK)

I can't believe you have Damien Magnifico listed in the top 100. He has the arsenal of a closer, but was terrible when OU tried to use him in this role. Is there really hope that he can develop a second (or third) pitch?

Klaw

  (3:48 PM)

There's a chance - and really, in the third round, if I told you you could take a kid who regularly throws 100 (even with screws in his elbow), you're not at least a little interested?

Sean (Boston)

Keith, how high could you see Travis Jankowski going?

Klaw

  (3:49 PM)

Late first round. Drafted today no matter what.

Mark (Waterloo)

What are the recent rumblings on Giolito? Seems to change by the hour. I'd assume his floor is Toronto at 17.

Klaw

  (3:49 PM)

And most of them are nonsense. I do not assume that 17 is his floor.

Mark (New Orleans, LA)

Is Gausman from LSU generally regarded as the best pitcher in the draft this year?

Klaw

  (3:50 PM)

I think the consensus has Appel over Gausman. I think they're much closer than that.

RegurgitatingGordonWood (New Orleans)

Stupid question, but what stops a guy from dropping out of high school, establishing residency in the DR and relinquishing his US citizenship to get out of the Rule IV draft and into the International signing day. Sounds crazy but those guys will make more initially, no?

Klaw

  (3:51 PM)

No, there's a cap on those kids now too. As if sticking it to US-born teenagers wasn't bad enough, let's take money away from poorer kids in the Dominican!

Amanda (Minneapolis)

Lance McCullers Question: Would McCullers be signable at #32 if the Twins save money at 2? Would they consider him, or are they only on lower upside arms like Watson/Sims/Brown?

Klaw

  (3:51 PM)

Not signable for slot, but they could do it in theory if they saved a lot at 2. I haven't heard them connected to him at all.

Craig (Azerbaijan)

I am, on vacation with wife, who is from there. Also, do you see Smoral falling to the Sox at 23 or 31?

Klaw

  (3:52 PM)

Well, that's a valid excuse. Might get there due to medicals but I don't see them taking him.

Greg (Baltimore MD)

Have you thought of doing a piece going back three - five years and doing a re-draft. It would interesting to have an analysis of why some some guys panned out and others didn't.

Klaw

  (3:52 PM)

I just did one of those pieces on the 2002 draft a few weeks ago.

Shane (SC)

At what point in the draft will Michael Roth, Matt Price, and Christian Walker get drafted?

Klaw

  (3:53 PM)

Walker third round or fourth. Price maybe 3rd-5th range. Roth much later, hard to see him as more than a lefty specialist.

Jeremy (FL)

It sounds like the Mets like Dahl, but he may go before them (maybe PIT or COL); if that happens, do they go with Cecchini? You said they prefer hitters; have they been on Gallo at all? Thanks.

Klaw

  (3:54 PM)

Dahl, Cecchini, and Zunino if he should fall. I doubt they would need to go in any other direction - that would be a serious board blow-up for them.

Benjo (DC)

Have you scouted Soler at all? If so, what kind of 20-80 numbers do you see from him?

Klaw

  (3:54 PM)

Only video. When he's unblocked, I'll write something more.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

Follow up to that question about the DR, could a guy go to Japan for a year or two and then be subject to the posting and bidding that Japan players go through? I know the typical amateur probably wouldn't attract much interest from the Japanese leagues because of the high level of play, but for a Bryce Harper that could have worked, no? Sacrifice a year or two in North America for tens of millions of dollars?

Klaw

  (3:54 PM)

I don't believe so - still a US citizen, would still be subject to the draft.

Michael (Tampa)

Hey Klaw, thought about sending you an email but may as well ask you here. Predicting the 25th pick is tough. Instead, if you don't mind, could you say what the Rays reported strategy is? Will they be looking to go with the best (signable) player available?

Klaw

  (3:57 PM)

Yes, I've pegged them on BPA in my mocks as well. But who knows who'll be available there? I had them with Seager last time around, but I am far from certain he gets there or that they'd take him.

mac campos (lafayette,la)

where do you think Stryker Trahan will go? He is one of the best rated catchers in the country.

Klaw

  (3:57 PM)

As high as 17, as low as the sandwich round.

Rob (Illinois)

Have you heard Stroman's name connected to the White Sox at all? They could try and put him on the Chris Sale path

Klaw

  (3:57 PM)

I haven't.

Ben (Evansville, IN)

Will Tate Matheny get drafted early or late tomorrow?

Klaw

  (3:58 PM)

I don't see him as a top 5 rounds talent.

Kyle (Chicago)

Any dark horse ground ball specialists to look for in the later rounds?

Klaw

  (3:59 PM)

Andrew Triggs at USC. Fifth-year senior I think but has a plus sinker.

Klaw

  (4:00 PM)

This is my day in a nutshell: I get a text saying "Correa to Seattle. Book it." and then within an hour get a text saying "I was told Correa wasn't their (Seattle's) pick."

Dom (Pennsylvania)

If Correa falls to eight, would the Pirates take him?

Klaw

  (4:00 PM)

Yes, but he won't get there.

Dave (NY)

Nothing to do with the draft, but I wanted to give Klaw a heads-up about a great op-ed piece in the NYT this weekend on the dietary risks of salt. I know it's right up his alley. Keep up the good work.

Klaw

  (4:01 PM)

Saw it, great piece. Someone tell Mayor Bloomberg.

Donald (North Carolina)

How quickly will Stroman get to the majors once he signs?

Klaw

  (4:01 PM)

I think you could put him in the majors tomorrow and he'd be fine. Realistically, I'd say by August 1st, because I can't imagine any team having the stones to do this.

Chris (CA)

I know OAK is looking at Gallo and Russell at 11. Given both have big time power but questions about the hit tool, what makes Russell the better overall player?

Klaw

  (4:02 PM)

Better athlete who might be able to stay at short.

Tom Beck (Twins Territory)

Am I the only one that thinks Lucas Giolito is the only possible number one starter in this draft and is worth possible number two to the Twins despite his elbow injury?

Klaw

  (4:02 PM)

Lots of scouts think that, or think that he and Appel are the only possible #1s.

Bret (Moraga)

so according to your mock, you DON'T think McCullers gets picked in the first round. How confident are you in that presumption?

Klaw

  (4:03 PM)

About as confident as I am in everything else in there. I gave you my best educated guesses.

Scott (Dallas)

Sir-Is there an impending "revolt" against the MLB draft process. I have read that Jorge Solar would have been a top 5 prospect in last years draft. The #1 pick got ~$8M and Solar is looking at $20M+. Can this continue?

Klaw

  (4:03 PM)

After July 1st, the Soler situation won't recur.

Ryan (Dayton) [via mobile]

How rare is it for the same high school team to produce 2 first round arms in the same year Like Harvard Westlake with Fried and Giolito?

Klaw

  (4:03 PM)

Chatsworth had two first-round bats in 2007. It happens.

Amanda (Minneapolis)

Question on Final Mock: You said there's a late rumor with the Twins passing on Buxton and taking Gausman or Correa to save money for later picks. In your opinion would that be a good strategy? Or is the distance between Buxton and Correa/Gausman enough that they shouldn't pass on him?

Klaw

  (4:04 PM)

I think it would be a reasonable strategy. I wouldn't do it, but I wouldn't argue with it if the Twins did.

Ian (MN)

How far will Pierce Johnson slide?

Klaw

  (4:05 PM)

Could still go late first, as high as 21. Threw well after returning from the forearm strain and I know some teams aren't concerned about the medicals.

Justin (Utah)

If Kris Bryant was in this draft, would he be a top 15 pick?

Klaw

  (4:05 PM)

I think so.

Ananth (Philly)

If a highly rated prospect doesn't get drafted today, is it safe to assume that he wont sign? Going to be very few Josh Bell situations right?

Klaw

  (4:05 PM)

New system discourages those situations strongly, because the last thing we would want is for the most talented young players to get into pro ball.

Ed (Cal.)

Chance for Rio Ruiz to go in sandwich round?

Klaw

  (4:06 PM)

I think zero. Missed the last two months after a procedure to remove a blood clot in his neck.

Bird (MPLS)

Any chance the Twins go Victor Roche in the SR if they do take Gausman 2?

Klaw

  (4:06 PM)

Have never heard this, only hearing them on arms. Roache may be the most overrated prospect in this draft. He's got one tool.

Zane (Missouri)

Are you hearing anything about pitchers Trey Lang and Mark Sappington?

Klaw

  (4:07 PM)

3rd-5th rounds, maybe more like 4th-6th. Saw Lang, wasn't good that day, but other scouts have seen him up to 94 with a chance for a plus slider, strictly a reliever.

Russell (Sacramento)

No chance Correa gets past San Diego at 7 right?

Klaw

  (4:07 PM)

No chance.

cp (reno)

Hensley rated 36...but you have him going to LA at 18...So then they are reaching ???

Klaw

  (4:07 PM)

Just one man's opinion.

Richard (AL)

Anybody on Carson Kelly? Supp. round guy with chance to crack 1st? Thanks.

Klaw

  (4:07 PM)

Only hearing him in sandwich round now.

matt (boston)

keith, for MLB draft to get some real national interest trades need to be allowed. do you agree and do you ever see this happening?

Klaw

  (4:07 PM)

I do, and I do, eventually, maybe under the next MLB regime.

Charlie (Philadelphia)

Given the chance, will the O's pick Gausman over Fried at 4?

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

I think so, but I'm not sure.

Jack (Santee)

Cap after round 10 is at $100K right? Will we see a lot of $100K deals then?

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

If you go over $100K after that, the excess amount counts against your top-ten-rounds cap.

Steve (CA)

I thought you'd say Trey Williams is the most overrated in this draft. Where could he go?

Klaw

  (4:08 PM)

Haven't heard him day one at all.

Mike (Rutland)

Would Dahl be a reach at #8? Thanks for your time.

Klaw

  (4:09 PM)

A slight one. For me to really call a pick a reach, it'll have to be extreme, like a team taking a player I have ranked in the 70s or 80s (or below) in the first round.

Jim (SF)

Gausman's floor is at 5 right?

Klaw

  (4:09 PM)

Sounds that way, yes. I'd be very surprised if he got past 2, 4, AND 5.

Tom (Pasadena)

Who is the fastest player in the draft?

Klaw

  (4:10 PM)

Buxton edging out DJ Davis.

Dave (Wayne, NJ)

How much time do teams have to make a pick in the first round, and what time does the second round start tomorrow? Thanks!

Klaw

  (4:11 PM)

Five minutes per pick in the first round. Second round starts at noon tomorrow, I think.

Jason (Indy)

You ever pan a first round pick only to see the kid turn out to be a stud?

Klaw

  (4:12 PM)

Sure. And the converse. Part of the job.

Jerry (NYC)

Devils advocate - what are the arguments against Buxton at 1.1?

Klaw

  (4:13 PM)

18.5 year old HS outfielder from a rural area who hasn't hit for power this year. I get it, he is risky.

David (Bethlehem, PA)

Random Q: Is Dylan Covey still a prospect for 2013? I know he battles Diabetes and had an up and down yr at San Diego. Is the stuff still there?

Klaw

  (4:16 PM)

I haven't heard good things, but haven't seen him live either. Plenty of time for him to get it back.

Jason (Golden, CO)

Do the Rockies have interest in taking Giolito?

Klaw

  (4:17 PM)

I haven't heard this very strongly - just general interest, but then again, isn't almost every team?

Bret (Toronto)

What's the highest you can foresee Lewis Brinson going?

Klaw

  (4:17 PM)

Late teens. Won't likely happen, but I don't think it's impossible.

Joe (MD)

What range would K. Whitson go if he was eligible? (Thanks)

Klaw

  (4:18 PM)

This year's version? Missed time with injuries, didn't always look right when he pitched.

Ben (New York)

Could you clarify why you had the Reds taking Giolito in your latest mock draft (at 2:56) but by 3:15 you said it's not happening (in this chat)?

Klaw

  (4:19 PM)

That mock was filed at 2 am.

kyle (dukes)

Opinion on Matt Olson? Enough bat to get into SR?

Klaw

  (4:19 PM)

Red Sox might do it, because he won't sign cheap, but I don't rate him that highly.

Steve (Ubelhoer)

Percent chance Zunino or Fried fall to the Mets at 12?

Klaw

  (4:20 PM)

Fried zero. Zunino 25%.

Johnny Vegas (D.C.)

Donavan Tate went to college......do you think he would have progressed enough to be a top 15 pick this year? Or was he an all or nothing type of player?

Klaw

  (4:21 PM)

I was somewhat (only somewhat) skeptical on his bat in HS, ranking him outside the top 15.

Jack (bar review class) [via mobile]

Any sense of what might be available for the Phillies at 40 and who they'd want?

Klaw

  (4:25 PM)

I've heard Mitch Gueller a ton with them.

Zach (New York City)

Coming in late to the conversation, but where does James Ramsey come up in a lot of team's list? Defiantly a sleep, no?

Klaw

  (4:26 PM)

Maybe sandwich round on a deal. Not a sleeper for me, though.

John (OH)

Reds news worth mentioning?

Klaw

  (4:26 PM)

Have just heard they're out on two guys they've been linked to recently, Marrero and Giolito.

Nick (NJ)

Keith, are you going to redo your mock before the draft? Or just continue with the small notes/updates in the 4.0 mock?

Klaw

  (4:27 PM)

Just updates, because producing the mock (not just writing it, but my editors who format it and help make sure I didn't do something like leave Carlos Correa undrafted) can take a few hours.

Brian (San Francisco)

Giants mainly linked to HS arms? Any chance they take Giolito if he is available?

Klaw

  (4:28 PM)

Yes, and no.

Jim (SF)

Probably absurd question but any talk of what Pirates are looking at #45?

Klaw

  (4:28 PM)

They've been linked to a Pennsylvania prep player, Joe DeCarlo, either there or with their first pick tomorrow.

Evan (DC)

With reds out on Marrero and him being a Boras client, could you see him going to Washington?

Klaw

  (4:28 PM)

I believe he'll be their pick as of right now.

Adam Manaa (California)

Seems like it's probably Gausman, Correa, or Fried for the O's at four.. which is the best pick and which is the most likely?

Klaw

  (4:29 PM)

I have Correa ranked the highest. I think Gausman is most likely right now.

Mark Appeal (Palo Alto, Ca.)

With the first pick of the MLB 2012 Draft, the Houston Astros select....

Klaw

  (4:29 PM)

Well, not you, Mr. Autocorrect.

Klaw

  (4:29 PM)

(Can't beat the autocorrect on Matt Amoral, though.)

Dallas Comegys (DePaul University)

How does Dan Langfield compare to Anthony Meo?

Klaw

  (4:30 PM)

Meo had better secondary.

Jerry (NYC)

Walker Weickel was ranked 9 in your original top 50 - what made him slide?

Klaw

  (4:30 PM)

Delivery changed this year - shorter stride, higher slot - and his velocity backed up a little. He's not hurt and still has all the other things we liked about him.

Zach (Arkansas)

Any chance Ty Buttrey isn't picked tonight?

Klaw

  (4:30 PM)

If he doesn't go at least in the supplemental round it has to be about money.

Frank (Chicago)

If you had to guess, what percentage of front office guys read your stuff?

Klaw

  (4:31 PM)

They all read, if only to mock me afterwards for saying they were going to take some player they hated.

Ian (MN)

Who moved up your draft board the most over the last 3 months?

Klaw

  (4:31 PM)

McCullers? Went from "no doubt reliever with terrible delivery" to "chance to start and suddenly throwing strikes"

Weiland (Wisconsin)

Where do you see Nate Mikolas, out of Kenosha Bradford (WI) going?

Klaw

  (4:31 PM)

Best case scenario 3rd round, more likely 4th-5th.

John (Houston)

Regardless of who picks him, how long until Appel reaches the majors?

Klaw

  (4:32 PM)

Inside of 24 months.

Brett (Arlington Heights, IL)

MLB draft the best baseball day of the year for K-Law?

Klaw

  (4:32 PM)

It's pretty awesome. I just wish I didn't have to be away from my family for it, but that's our lot in life.

Brett (Bismarck, ND)

You're the GM of the Astros for a minute... Giolito with the number 1 pick?

Klaw

  (4:32 PM)

I've hedged on that only because I have secondhand info on the medicals. If our doctor cleared him, then yes. Otherwise, Buxton.

geoff studt (roselle IL)

What is your range for DJ Davis to be taken? Any chance white sox would take him with pick 48 in supplemental round?

Klaw

  (4:33 PM)

Won't get there.

Rube (Philly) [via mobile]

Am I interested in Gueller as a P or an OF? How do you project him best?

Klaw

  (4:33 PM)

I hear pitcher more. Touched 93 for me last summer at Area Codes.

Klaw

  (4:34 PM)

OK, gotta return some calls and texts now. Thanks for all of the questions. I'll be on Sportscenter at 9:15 to talk a little about the top few picks and possibly on Baseball Tonight after the Dodgers/Cardinals game. Next chat is tomorrow at noon.