JotCast | Klawchat 10/19/17

Klawchat 10/19/17

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Keith Law

1:00

Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids. Klawchat.

Tom Flannery

1:00

What every day position players do you see the Cubs possibly shopping this offseason for a pitcher to replace Arrieta, assuming they definitely do not re-sign him? Also, are there any free agent bullpen arms you can see them going after?

Keith Law

1:01

I feel like they already did that with the trade for Quintana. He's the Arrieta replacement. The FA class is fairly weak overall but I will have full rankings as usual after the World Series.

Tanaka

1:01

If Tanaka opts out (which he probably will $67 mil shouldn't be hard to beat) what would you be willing to offer him?

Keith Law

1:02

I don't know if he'll opt out given the known issue with his elbow. The weak class works in his favor, but I'm not sure about teams offering him much more given that he's seen as more of a risk for a season-ending injury than your average starter.

Greg

1:02

A couple Alex Jackson questions: 1) are the issues you saw fixable ones behind the plate? 2) if he has to move back to the outfield, what were the reports on his defense in a corner when he was with Seattle? 3) is the bat enough to profile as a corner OF in the big leagues? Thanks for the chat.

Keith Law

1:02

I don't think they are fixable, he's playable in the outfield but not average, the bat may still profile.

Brian

1:02

I've become frustrated with the Cubs starting Jon Jay in now 7 straight playoff games. Jon Jay is fine, but I refuse to beleieve Jon Jay should be starting 7 straight playoff games. Am I right to be frustrated...or is it just that Heyward has lost himself and Schwarber can't hit lefties, etc.?

Keith Law

1:03

I don't see the great alternative here, especially with Schwarber essentially a platoon guy at the moment.

Chris

1:03

Marcos Molina and Peter Alonso for Dee Gordon with Mets taking on all of his solid contract, who says no? (I think Marlins would probably want more but asking as a delusional Mets fan)

Keith Law

1:03

Delusional indeed.

Peter

1:03

Assuming Cora gets hired by the Red Sox, do you have any views on the managerial qualities of any of the remaining candidates for the Mets already interviewed (Callaway, Long, Acta and McEwing)?

Keith Law

1:04

I know Acta, having worked with him a few years at ESPN, and think he brings a strong mix of analytical and traditional thinking to the table, and the ability to work with a lot of different sorts of players. Also bilingual, which I think is a huge advantage. I'd absolutely recommend him. I don't know the others personally, but have heard nothing but praise for Callaway as a pitching coach (which is a very different role than manager).

Frank

1:04

North Korea's rhetoric is really beginning to scare me. Will we still be around in a year's time?

Keith Law

1:05

I'm more scared of our guy than their guy. They have everything to lose by launching a real attack - their economy is only propped up by imports and foreign aid, or else there'd be famine.

Bob

1:05

I think you have mentioned it somewhere in a chat before, but do you have any book recommendations for a first time expecting father?

Keith Law

1:05

The Happiest Baby on the Block.

Jay

1:05

If you could pick one show that's been cancelled to come back for one more season, what would it be?

Keith Law

1:06

I'd take as much Broadchurch as I could get. Others: Pushing Daisies, Atlantis, Firefly.

Rahn

1:06

How does Shane Baz slot in the Pirates' rankings for you? Does he have Mitch Keller kind of upside? And how do you feel about Ke'Bryan Hayes with his stops and starts due to injury?

Keith Law

1:06

I haven't even looked at org top 10s or 20s yet. I think Baz has a bigger arm than Keller, but is a different kind of pitcher, more power, less command/breaking ball.

Ryan

1:06

Has Corey Ray's swing changed dramatically from when you saw him in the spring of 2016 and if so, is it fixable?

Keith Law

1:07

I detailed the changes in his setup in my first AFL post (linked above). Fixable, but why hasn't anyone done it yet?

Eddy

1:07

Learned about a couple of power bats in the twins system, Brent Rooker and Lewin Diaz. Anything of note with them?

Keith Law

1:08

Couple of power bats. Rooker has been old for almost everywhere he's played, and you're hoping he can work in left field. Diaz is younger, maybe more hit tool right now, but also might not have a position.

Matt

1:08

Last night Tim Kurkjian said the Yankees best hitter was Sanchez and not Judge. Do you agree?

Keith Law

1:08

I do not. I think it's Judge.

Mac

1:08

Do you think an amateur pitcher can learn to throw strikes or is strike throwing an innate skill?

Keith Law

1:09

I think pitchers can improve control and command, but there are other variables that make it easier or harder, like athleticism or repeatability of a delivery.

EricVA

1:10

Greg Bird has looked great...when healthy. Do you think his true level is what we saw in 2015 or is that too optimistic?

Keith Law

1:11

Probably a little below 2015, but more than good enough to write him into the 2017 Opening Day lineup. This is part of why I've never bought them as a Hosmer destination - they have Bird, and they love him as a player. If they believe he's healthy, going outside for a 1b makes little sense.

David

1:11

If you were named GM of the Braves, what moves would you look to make for this upcoming season? Would you just go with the kids, or try and acquire a guy like Stanton?

Keith Law

1:12

Would explore the market for hitters, especially at spots where the farm is weaker (3b comes to mind), and see if some of the upper level pitching depth could be packaged in such a deal.

Jshep12

1:12

Most interesting Arizona Fall League team??

Keith Law

1:12

Eh, they're all interesting, but I wish I'd seen Peoria another time or two.

Cora

1:12

So from what it sounds like right now Alex Cora is going to have his pick of managerial openings which opening would you say is most attractive?

Keith Law

1:13

Depends on what he wants. Boston is a win-now situation with a tremendous and talented young core, but comes with high expectations and a couple of strong personalities to deal with. Philadelphia might be more interesting to someone who's focused on development, given the wave of young hitters who've already arrived or are on their way.

Dana

1:13

Putting career length aside for the moment, is Didi Gregorious a better player than Derek Jeter? More power, better defense for sure.

Keith Law

1:14

Does he have more power, or is he playing with a juiced ball?

RSO

1:14

Is Gleyber Torres better suited to play 2nd base or 3rd base?

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