Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

Melky should have eaten some asparagus before the test. That stuff masks everything.

Drew (Williamsport)

Are you a fan of the LLWS? Things get crazy around here for about two weeks.

Klaw

  (2:01 PM)

I'm not, sorry. I hate seeing 12-year-olds throw a zillion curveballs.

cp (reno)

where you "concerned" about Melky and his offensive numbers being so much higher than the past?

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

Concerned? No. Skeptical, yes. But absolutely not accepting the rationale that testosterone - which we've been told for years increases power - somehow increased his ability to hit for average on balls in play. I don't see any supporting evidence, and arguing that just to support my contention that Melky wouldn't hold his level of performance would be extremely hypocritical.

Erich (CT)

Why in the world would the Jays send Kevin Comer to the Astros as the PTBNL? Hes the best pitcher out of the entire package, what an awful, awful trade.

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Because his velocity backed up this year to the mid- to upper 80s. Unfortunately he's not the pitcher we thought he was (myself included) a year ago.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

I get the logic that steroids don't make the player. But if they don't work, why are guys taking the risk?

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Americans spend something like $120 million a year on echinacea, which is roughly as effective in fighting the common cold as mowing your lawn with your teeth.

Randy (Michigan)

What is your justification for including Peavy in Cy Young talk

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Obviously it's because I hate the White Sox.

John (MD)

Any thoughts on Gausman being skipped past Delmarva and onto Frederick so soon?

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Love it, 21-year-old pitcher with SEC experience should be able to go right to high-A.

David (Atlanta)

Keith-given the strong possibility that the Braves may end the season with the second best record in the league and in the one game wild card playoff, what are the chances that the playoff format is tweaked for the future?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

The possibility of tweaks to the system is completely determined by MLB's revenues from the current setup.

Nate (Chicago)

Keith, When will AFL rosters be announced?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

Within the next week I'd imagine. Hoping we get Soler and Puig out here, as they'd be in the same lineup, and maybe Anthony Rendon, who could use the at bats.

Vincent (Michigan)

Cabrera is at least 2nd in MVP anyone who thinks otherwise obviously doesn't watch him, not in top 5? Come on KLaw

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

Defense matters. And RBIs really don't.

Aubrey (Houston)

Why do you think the popular notion of Craig Biggio is that he was only a compiler with no real peak? He's Colin Cowherd's go to reference for a good never close to great guy.

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

Don't know - I think he is a no-doubt HoFer on peak and career value. Would have zero hesitation voting for him.

Mike (Chicago)

Darwin Barney was top 10 in WAR the other day. Who is wrong, the stat or my eyes?

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

The stat - it's not properly accounting for defensive shifts. He's an extra guy at best.

Ben (Leland Grove)

Thoughts on the article about Duquette's utter hatred for the cutter?

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

I think it's nonsense, and in Bundy's case, the worst possible outcome for the kid's future.

John (St Louis)

In next year's draft, as teams struggle with MLB's silly new slotting budget system, can you please let your organizational contacts know that I am making myself available? I am 32 and haven't played organized ball since 5th grade, but I promise to sign for one dollar just for the fun of it and to help them get their desired high-upside guys elsewhere.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Believe it or not, MLB sent out a memo to teams telling them not to do just that - draft someone's secretary or their dog or whatever to game the system. Unintended consequences are awesome.

Chris (Carnegie, PA)

Alen Hanson has 37 errors in 91 games at SS....concerned?

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

No. Error totals aren't useful measures of defense anyway, and minor league error totals are even less useful.

John (Boston)

Can we conclude now- or how much more will it take to conclude- that SF is the epicenter of The Steroid Era? Bonds is obvious, but even players who spent short time there were in the Mitchell Report. Two more players this far after the fact, as well? My finger is pointed SF's way....J'ACCUSE!!!

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

It's all Tim Leary's fault.

Brandon (RI)

Keith, w/o looking at your past MVP history, 2 of the AL top 5 being SP jumps out at me. Do you think this is a down year for the all around players, or do you think pitchers can achieve equal value despite the games played difference?

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

Pitchers can absolutely achieve equal value. A starter only appears in 1/5 of the games, but has substantially greater opportunity to add (or subtract) value within each of those games than a position player who receives just 4 PA.

Alex (Jackson)

Is J.R. Graham a starter or reliever? He gets a ton of groundballs.

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

Probably a reliever, but has a chance to start.

Blake (Texas)

Suggs and Astin from Arkansas. Thoughts? I'm persistent!

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

Both relievers, doubt either sees the first round - maybe Suggs as a sandwich pick on a predraft deal. More likely second/third.

Tom (Chi)

Why is it when I hear the word historic (Trout), I hear the word steroids?

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

Open up your ears - and clean out your eyes.

Jason (Philly)

Really bummed the pirates traded Robbie Grossman...what are your thoughts on his major league potential?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

I think he can be an above-average corner outfielder because of his potential for high OBPs. It's an atypical profile - he may never hit 20 HR in a season even if he reaches his ceiling - but solid-average LF defense with an OBP in the .380-400 range is an extremely valuable player right now.

Garrett (California)

Remeber in May all those people on twitter kept asking you why was Jason Heyward so hyped and why was he still in the big leagues? Those were funny.

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

There was one Atlanta fan in particular who was obsessive about it - kept RT'ing a beat writer who was also running Heyward down, and quoting arbitrary-endpoint stats. Haven't heard from him in ages.

Voland (USSR)

Hey KLaw, when a player is brought up from the minors, does he get paid major league minimum, then go back to his minor league salary when he gets sent back down? how's this work? Thanks!

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

That's right unless he has a major league salary stipulated in his contract, such as players who signed major league deals out of the draft.

Pardue (Atlanta)

You are now my favorite all time baseball analyst, for no other reason than you referenced Don Music on twitter.

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

The loss of Don Music and Sherlock Hemlock has been very tough for Sesame Street to overcome. Those are two MVP candidates right there.

Dustin (Pennsylvania)

.982 Field% Trout.966 Field % CabbyThat is not much of a difference to support your claim that defense means more. Or if Trout had better offense and not defense, would your claim would be reversed?

Klaw

  (2:19 PM)

The serious problem here is using fielding percentage to evaluate defense is baseball phrenology.

auto updates (here)

please turn me on

Klaw

  (2:19 PM)

Hey baby. What are you wearing?

Chris (Alabama)

RE: your Melky/BABiP tweetsDon't you think getting stronger (via PEDs) allows a hitter to hit the ball harder, leaving the fielders less time to react to the ball, providing a bump in BABiP?

Klaw

  (2:21 PM)

No evidence that that's the case with Melky, or with any other hitter - many known or strongly-suspected steroid users saw no significant BABIP increase, certainly. What you're really arguing is that Melky's balls in play have eyes to avoid fielders, and let me tell you, if testosterone could make your balls sprout eyes no player would ever touch them.

Jason (WI)

Speaking of music, which Slayer tune did you attempt to play before 9am?

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

It actually came on automatically on Vevo after I'd played "Dragula" - it was "Reigning Blood."

bob (richmond)

who has better long-term outlook - AJ Griffin or Nate Eovaldi?

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

Eovaldi has better stuff but needs a third pitch to get lefties out or he won't last as a starter. He has the upside, whereas Griffin has much better probability but is likely never more than a back-end starter.

Kelly (St. John's NL)

"Letting inherited runners score" - is this a meaningful measure in comparing relievers, or a joke?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

A reliever's job is to get outs. There isn't an independent skill of stranding runners - if you get outs, you'll strand most runners.

Randy (Michigan.)

Ok ...now we shouldn't use fielding % to determine defense along with error totals not being a useful measure of defense. What is supposed to be used? Opinions?

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

You realize those two are the same thing, right? There are advanced measures of defense available, and they're a good starting point, but I do like to supplement them with my own visual evaluations, since that is kind of what I do for a living.

Jack (San Francisco)

Keith, it's not curve balls alone that hurt young arms, but overuse. LL pitch count limits are in place to protect from overuse. Enjoy the games!

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

I think it's more accurate to say that improperly thrown curveballs hurt young arms. And, for that matter, improperly thrown anything.

Jon (DC)

What do the Nats do with Rendon a year from now?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

That's going to depend on his health and Zimmerman's.

Jay (Phila)

Do you think Gerrit Cole will become an ace?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

I do.

Patrick (Washington DC)

So is it over for the Giants?

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

No. Their odds went down, but it's not over.

cole (dallas)

Recently being called up to AA, do you think George Springer will come to the majors early next year or next year september call-ups? I definitely think this september is too early. And with Springer playing CF, do you think Robbie Grossman will have to move to RF to get some valuable playing time in the future?

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

I like Springer a lot for his tools, but you are assuming way too much from him. He still strikes out quite a bit even with improvements to his two-strike approach this year, and his numbers in Lancaster (where he wasn't that young for the level) were inflated by a great home park. He's good, a top 50 prospect for sure, but has risk. Grossman has zero chance to play CF in the majors.

Cuban Defector (Ocean, south of Miami)

Does Puig have 30+ HR power potential?

Klaw

  (2:29 PM)

Raw, yes. Will have to hit to get to that power, and I don't think I can tell you with any degree of certainty whether he's going to have enough of a hit tool.

Joe (Denver)

Thoughts on the M's Stephan Romero? Is he a legit prospect?

Klaw

  (2:30 PM)

I liked his swing in college but only for contact, not power, and I don't think he's really a 2b long term. Tough to see him profile as a 1b because he won't produce enough overall offense.

Tim (Orlando)

How surprised have you been by JO Berrio's start? Obviously a SSS.

Klaw

  (2:31 PM)

SSS - and he has present stuff, not a projection guy. Not criticizing him, just saying he should outperform other 18-year-olds because he has more velocity and a better breaking ball right now.

Tim (Orlando)

Were you surprised the Twins promoted Buxton to Single A as fast as they did? Aren't they known for slow promotions?

Klaw

  (2:32 PM)

We're seeing a lot of quick promotions of this year's top picks, which is the result of the earlier signing deadline. I think it's great as it should boost the number of these players who are ready for full-season ball on Opening Day next year.

Gus (New City, NY)

Find it comical that some people who defended Braun are now coming down hard on Melky because he "lied to the media" when first confronted about the charges

Klaw

  (2:33 PM)

I don't really get the lying part - he was undergoing an appeal process and shouldn't have had any obligation to tell anyone anything. I can understand a reporter who had a good relationship with Melky being personally upset, but on a professional level, Melky acted in his own self-interest and we in the media should at least recognize that.

Jack (San Francisco)

Why don't you consider Weaver and Price as valid AL CY Young candidates? Both are having much better years than Sabathia/Peavy...

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

I explained Weaver's omission in the article. More importantly, if you want to tell me Price should be 4th and not 6th or 7th, okay, fine. The differences down the ballot aren't that big of a deal.

Jeff (Sacramento)

Brandon Belt seems to be in a groove again but, as we have seen before, he is capable of significant slumps. Now that it appears the Giants are committed to him at 1B, do you see his batting average leveling out at some point?

Klaw

  (2:34 PM)

If they just leave him alone, I think he'll perform. They come here in about three weeks and I'll pop in and see where his swing mechanics are.

Klaw

  (2:36 PM)

Pedro Beato is the PTBNL in the Kelly Shoppach deal.

Eric (Atlanta)

Can Josh Elander stick at catcher?

Klaw

  (2:37 PM)

No.

Mike (Kansas)

How long before we see Odorizzi and Myers in Kansas.

Klaw

  (2:37 PM)

September 1st?

Andrew Z. (Struthers, OH)

Brighter future: Taylor Guerrieri or Francisco Lindor?

Klaw

  (2:37 PM)

Lindor. But I do like Guerrieri - tremendous FB/CB combo, throwing strikes in a limited sample this year.

Heath (Riverside, Ca)

Do you think Zach Lee could be a right handed Kershaw?

Klaw

  (2:38 PM)

I like Lee a lot ... but wow, that's pretty damn optimistic. I'll go way out on a limb and say 'no.'

Andy (St. Louis)

Thoughts on Travis Snider in Pittsburgh? Think he can be a .276 hitter with 20+ homeruns next season?

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

No, more of a .275 hitter.

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

(Serious answer: Too much trouble making contact to see him coming close to that.)

Robbie (DC)

Is there a broadcaster who spews anything nearly as insane as Steve Lyons' "home runs are rally killers" philosophy?

Klaw

  (2:39 PM)

I hear that all the time. It's nonsense, of course, but it's a common if misguided baseball axiom.

Jonathan (Dallas)

Thoughts about Gallo's promotion to the NWL?

Klaw

  (2:40 PM)

I think they kept him here to let him break the AZL HR record, but he'll need to improve his contact rates as he moves up - he wasn't sufficiently challenged here.

Chris (Atlanta, GA)

Klaw, random scouting question I've been pondering...If you were to see a hitter who swings at the first strike he sees and puts the ball in play every time, how do you judge that? It would seem he would never take walks, since I would think at least one strike would be thrown each at bat. It's kind of a strange hypothetical, just curious how you go about considering both approach and contact.

Klaw

  (2:41 PM)

I don't think a player like that could survive in the majors, where pitchers with good-quality stuff can locate within the strike zone.

Jon (Chicago)

Any chance Brett Jackson gets his strikeouts under control enough to be a productive player?

Klaw

  (2:42 PM)

I think he's got swing issues rather than approach issues. The latter is easy to fix, the former much less so - witness Snider.

Brad (Corpus Christi (By Way of Syracuse))

Any recommendations for a cookbook for my wife and me? We both work full-time, have a two-year old and a six-month old, and I'm studying for the CPA exam. Should be something that allows for quick prep and clean up. Thanks, KLaw.

Klaw

  (2:42 PM)

Joy of Cooking is a great starter cookbook and includes a broad range of dishes from basic to complex.

Brian (Illinois)

At which levels would you have Bauer, Skaggs, Cole, and Z. Wheeler start 2013?

Klaw

  (2:43 PM)

Majors, majors/AAA, AAA, AAA. No rush on any of those last three.

Frankur (Atlanta)

Will Evan Gattis ever catch an MLB game?

Klaw

  (2:44 PM)

No.

Klaw

  (2:45 PM)

No.

Klaw

  (2:46 PM)

I'm not big on Gattis as a prospect, but he could surface due just to his raw power - but he's not a catcher even if you fully believe in his bat.

Tom (Boise)

What year does Vogelbach get elected to baseball's HOF?

Klaw

  (2:47 PM)

The Cubs are going to have to figure out what to do with him if he keeps hitting for average. We knew he had power, but he's a DH only for me.

Matt (NJ)

gotten any reports on Adam Morgan? is he a guy? can i squint and see a #3 or is that too high?

Klaw

  (2:47 PM)

Haven't seen him, gotten pretty positive reports, chance for a league-average starter there.

MeisterNJ (Mendham)

Is Rutledge about to drop off a cliff or are you buying a little?

Klaw

  (2:48 PM)

Cliff.

Jason (St Louis)

What is your opinion of Joe Kelly? I had never heard of him before this year. Any reason he couldn't hold down the 5th spot in the rotation starting next year?

Klaw

  (2:49 PM)

He could be their fifth starter, he could be really good out of the pen, he could be trade bait because he'd be a four on some clubs.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

Should Melky Cabrera be eligible for the batting title?

Klaw

  (2:50 PM)

Why not?

Adrian (CA)

Michael Ynoa is rule 5 eligible this winter. Should the A's give him a spot on the 40 man? I can't imagine anyone would take him, even with all of his upside.

Klaw

  (2:50 PM)

I think he'd be selected.

Kasey (Mission Viejo, CA)

Any GM's or Scouting Director changes you foresee in the next coming weeks?

Klaw

  (2:51 PM)

I've heard rumors on more changes in Chicago and Houston plus possible changes in Milwaukee, Colorado, and even Seattle, although I think that last one is unlikely.

Mark (St. Louis)

It seems Shelby Miller is back on track. I know some of the peripherals are off, but 125 K's in 112 innings suggest to me he will be just fine. Your thoughts?

Klaw

  (2:52 PM)

I've heard from a few sources that his old mechanics have been restored (not sure if that's him, coaches, or a combination) and his velocity is back, and the results in his last 5-6 starts seem to support that.

Dan (Idaho Falls)

Re: Melky and the batting title - I posed the same question to a BA staffer yesterday...before realizing that Melky only had 501 PAs in 2012 - not eligible.

Klaw

  (2:53 PM)

Incorrect. Players who didn't reach the minimum of 502 PA are credited with enough at bats to bring them up to the threshold (but no extra hits). Melky gets one more AB for the purposes of the batting title.

Adrian (CA)

you think someone would give Ynoa a spot on their 25 man roster for a full season next year? Really?

Klaw

  (2:54 PM)

Stick him in the pen and use him in long relief for the chance to get his rights for 2014+? Yes.

Chris (Nevada)

Blackburn in the Giants system. 127/17 K/BB. Too early to get really excited?

Klaw

  (2:54 PM)

Really like him. He and Crick are the salvation of that system right now.

Brandon (RI)

You almost just acknowledge the term batting title being guy with highest avg.

Klaw

  (2:55 PM)

That's all it is, right? "Batting title" is a misnomer.

Tim (Chesterfield, MO)

Thoughts on Austin Wilson? When is he draft eligible and where do you see him falling after the Stanford tweaks? Seems he was touted as a top-10 caliber talent when he was drafted by St. Louis. I can't imagine it is the same now.

Klaw

  (2:57 PM)

I think he is a top 10 guy in next year's draft. He's shown more power both in the second half of this spring and on the Cape this summer before an oblique injury ended his season. He's a good athlete with a good idea at the plate. And the crop of college bats in this draft is really poor.

Jack (San Francisco)

Keith, what do you think is wrong with Hosmer? Will he bounce back?

Klaw

  (2:57 PM)

I strongly believe he will. Best theory I've heard is that he's got his hands up too high and tight and it's causing him to be slightly late and often comes down toward the ball - not something he ever did previously.

Matt (DC)

Favorite KLAW steak condiment: Aoli, Horseradish, or Chimmichuri?

Klaw

  (2:58 PM)

Why not all three?

BL (WI)

Interested in why you have Jackson in front of Miggy for MVP. Miggy's fWAR is higher (albeit slightly) than Jackson's. Is this just to make a contrarian opinion?

Klaw

  (2:59 PM)

I have never published anything simply "to make a contrarian opinion." If I wrote it, it's my opinion, period. If your immediate reaction to an opinion you don't understand is to question the motives of the author of that opinion, I would suggest that you grab a crowbar and pry your mind open.

Klaw

  (2:59 PM)

Also, I think UZR is overrating Miggy's defense.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

Does Machado stay at 3b, or can he play SS at MLB level?

Klaw

  (2:59 PM)

Shortstop for me.

Ryan (Pittsburgh, PA)

Thoughts on Marte so far? About what you expected?

Klaw

  (3:00 PM)

Yes. Maybe a little better contact than I expected.

Scott (SD)

Hank Schulman out in SF had a good article about whether or not the Giants should try to re-sign Melky at the end of the year. I understand the hard feelings, but truth be told, the Giants wouldn't be where they are currently at without him, and if the steroid stigma surrounding him drives the price down, I don't see a reason not to try to sign him next year. You?

Klaw

  (3:02 PM)

I agree. But it is hard to price a player if you suspect that, either due to randomness (my argument) or PED usage (well, a lot of folks' arguments), his most recent performance was unsustainable.

Matt (NJ)

what do you think of Daniel Norris?

Klaw

  (3:02 PM)

Good arm, trouble repeating the delivery, more of a long-term project with upside - the opposite end of the spectrum from a guy like Berrios.

Jon (CA)

Carlos Ruiz is 33 and is suddenly having a breakout year, hitting 60 points higher than his career average prior to this season. It looks even more abnormal than Melky's year to me, given his age and the fact that he's a catcher. Thoughts?

Klaw

  (3:03 PM)

Given his age, track record, and position, I wouldn't invest in him long term.

CC (Atlanta)

Is Tommy Hanson's shoulder shot?

Klaw

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not his doctor, but from here I would say yes, it probably is.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Does Braceletgate qualify as an umpshow?

Klaw

  (3:04 PM)

It does for me.

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

Umpshow isn't about a blown call, but about an ump trying to make himself the center of attention, by provoking players or coaches, by delaying calls or otherwise making himself obvious, and particularly by being too quick with the ejections.

Ben (CT)

Do you buy Sean Gilmartin being anything more than a #5 starter?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

I guess he could be a four. I don't see more than that - not a league-average starter.

Jason (Atlanta)

For a team like the O's or the Pirates, if they make the playoffs, but lose in the WC game, do you think it's worth it for them? Or would you still think bypassing the opportunity to add prospects at the trade deadline was a mistake?

Klaw

  (3:05 PM)

I don't think one-and-done is worth it. It's not going to produce a real revenue boost in the following year.

Matt (NJ)

which team will forfeit a top draft 11-15 pick under the new CBA rules? this has ruben amaro written all over it...

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

Next year's draft is weak enough that it might not be the end of the world - although the Phils' system is thin enough that they shouldn't give up a high pick for anyone.

Klaw

  (3:06 PM)

OK, lot to do today. If anyone is going to be in Beloit tomorrow night, I'd love to meet you as I pop in to see Sano and Rosario (and some other guys). Thanks for all the questions.