Klaw

  (1:02 PM)

Don't let your questions go to waste - I'm gonna give you a taste ... of Klawchat.

Scott (Lincolnshire)

Any chance the big 3 arms don't get selected 3rd overall and slide to 4th for the cubs? I know that you just released a prospect ranking, which isn't necessarily a mock draft on what you think teams will do.

Klaw

  (1:03 PM)

Correct, that's just my "board" but not a projection. I think there's a decent chance Rodon reaches the Cubs, but not the two prep arms. Depends a lot on what the White Sox do if Aiken-Kolek go 1-2.

Rich (Solvay)

Hi Keith,Based on what you have seen so far what 2 or 3 players would you rank significantly different from your preseason rankings? Thanks.

Klaw

  (1:04 PM)

None. Too small of a sample. I'd be exposing myself to too much risk of overreacting to random variations in performance.

Jon (DC)

When you were in the FO, how many deep would you rank draft prospects? Top 1000?

Klaw

  (1:05 PM)

I think we had 600-800 guys on the board each year, but we didn't do a straight ranking - after the top 100 or so we had them broken down into categories. Not sure that was the right approach, but that's how we did it.

Cory (down state NY)

Hoffman has to drop because of TJ but how far?

Klaw

  (1:08 PM)

Million dollar question - or maybe $2 million. I think teams with a second pick right after the first round would be in position to get creative and pay him over slot down there. Astros would be one such team, as would the Royals with three picks between 17 and 40 and a history of doing just that (Manaea last year). Sources have also pointed out Washington and Boston as teams that might be interested in overpaying him if he fell to them.

Michael (North Carolina)

Word out of Virginia recently indicates that Bukauskas may elect to go the college route. Have you confirmed any validity to that rumor? I know he is really young (he'd be draft eligible again at 20).

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

You mean the story I broke the other day? Come on, son. And I still think there's a nonzero chance some team waves $1.5 million in his face and dares him to turn it down.

John (Minneapolis)

Better draft class than last year?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

Yes, more pitching depth for me well into the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

Bobby (Springfield, ILL)

When will we see your first Mock draft?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

Next Thursday. Even today feels like too soon.

James (Atlanta)

Timetable for Kris Bryant? AAA in a few months and then he makes his debut in Chicago in May 2015?

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

That sounds about right. I don't understand Cubs fans clamoring for him to get right to Iowa based on four weeks in AA.

Zach (Mpls, MN)

Keith, have you heard what names the Twins are on? I'd really like to see Gordon, we don't have anyone like him in our system.

Klaw

  (1:11 PM)

Gordon and Nola in particular with them.

Ben Cherrington (Boston or thereabouts)

What should I do with Mookie, Keith?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

Nothing. No assembly required.

Ken (Riverside)

Concerns about Julio Urias's walk rate? Small sample blip or noticeable drop in command?

Klaw

  (1:12 PM)

More concerned about minor shoulder soreness he's had this year. Special arm but he's exceptionally young to be in high-A already.

Ciscoskid (Folsom)

Any chance the Giants get to pick between Zimmer, Hill, and Gatewood? Or do you think they will go with an arm?

Klaw

  (1:13 PM)

Hill might be there, but I doubt both he and Zimmer get that far. Only heard Gatewood above them with Philly. That said, I think the Giants are also scouting players from outside of northern California.

Tim (Chicago)

With Hoffman out who will the cubs get at 4? Thanks love your work

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

I think their board blew up a bit with the Hoffman injury. I've heard them a bit with Fedde, although he didn't pitch last weekend and was pushed back to Saturday this week. Theo saw Nick Gordon's last game earlier this week. I don't think Beede is in their mix and I think their link to Alex Jackson is a bit overblown.

james (delaware)

will anyone sign with the phillies after the controversy this past year with some of their draft picks?

Klaw

  (1:17 PM)

Yes, I think by and large that has blown over, other than perhaps more caution from some advisers in giving the Phillies specific info like bonus demands. The peculiar part was their decision to report Monda - area scouts up there have told me they knew Monda didn't want to sign, and there wasn't any violation of NCAA rules, so why report an innocent kid?

Joe (Chicago)

Do you think Ravenelle can be a starter as a pro? I don't believe he has started one game at Vandy.

Klaw

  (1:18 PM)

I'd try it, but odds are he's a pen guy.

BD (DC)

Drew Ward now at .316/.400/.506/.906as a 19 yr old in the sally league. You come around on him yet?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Don't scout the stat line, especially when it's just 79 AB - and a huge chunk of that production came in one series at West Virginia.

Jon (DC)

When people keeping asking you to change your mind on a prospect, e.g. Drew Ward, does it just make you less likely to do so? It would me.

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

No, I just find it entertaining.

Craig (Dover, DE)

From the comedy department, have you seen this "True New Yorker" campaign that the Mets ran?

Klaw

  (1:22 PM)

It's embarrassing. Bush league is too kind.

John (Reno)

Apparently, you really like Erick Fedde. Chances he get picked by DBacks?

Klaw

  (1:23 PM)

The industry likes him - I only saw him once, and tried to see him again last weekend at Clemson but had to cancel my plans when they chose not to pitch him. Have heard him a lot with teams in the top 10 so I don't think he gets that far.

Mark Appel (Houston)

What's the deal with my development plan? Do I need to go on a 6-day rotation for a bit, and have the organization scrap the 4-day piggy back plan? Should my fantasy owners be worried about long term prognosis?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

A 5-man rotation would be fine. Jumping him from 6 to 4 seems to have been the mistake.

Jack (Toronto)

When do you change your mind on a prospect? I assume some prospects make adjustments you don't expect, do you pretty much disregard until you see for yourself?

Klaw

  (1:25 PM)

I can't see everyone myself, but I talk to scouts and execs all the time, and I'm always looking for information on real changes to prospects' skill sets. I don't change my mind because a player had a good month or because a fan base really really wants me to.

WTF Pancakes (Cincinnati, OH)

Joc Pederson doesn't seem to have much to learn by playing at Albuquerque. As a general rule, is there any reason to send top hitting prospects to absurdly hitter-friendly environments?

Klaw

  (1:25 PM)

I don't think hitters learn anything there. They're not seeing good breaking stuff, and teams often skip better pitching prospects over those levels too.

Bob (NYC)

Who do you think the Mets are looking at at #10?

Klaw

  (1:26 PM)

If I tell you BPA (Best Player Available), that's with the caveat that neither they nor I have a great sense of who that'll be at this point.

Eric (DC)

How do you scout baserunning vs. straight speed? Some guys are more adept at exploiting opportunity rather than a quick stopwatch base to base.

Klaw

  (1:27 PM)

Two separate types of evaluation. BTW, straight speed grade is usually just moment of contact to moment the foot hits the first base bag. Nothing else is valid.

@Jaypers413 (IL)

Would you say Gallo has as much, not as much, or more power than Stanton had at this point in his career?

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

"As much" is fair. "More" would probably be doing both guys a disservice. It's hard to imagine what "more power than 20-yo Stanton" would even look like.

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

Note on Gallo - have heard that over the last 10-15 games he's made real strides on contact within the zone. I'd want to see that over a longer stretch of time but given that that was his main weakness as a hitter, dating back to HS, it's a positive sign.

Dave (NJ)

The Mets are also having a Nolan Ryan bobble head day. Because, you know, everyone associates Ryan with the Mets.

Klaw

  (1:29 PM)

Well, do people associate arm injuries and massive failures with the Mets?

Thom (Mankato)

What keeps Sam Selman from cracking the Royals Top 10? Is it more his lack of command, etc. or how stacked the organization is with prospects?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

Reliever with no third pitch and poor command. RHB light him up like ... a mup.

James (Atlanta)

Is Tommy La Stella making his debut this weekend? And why has nobody mentioned a platoon with him and Pastornicky?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

I know nothing about him making his debut this weekend or this month. I wouldn't platoon TLS at this point - at least give him a chance to show he's an everyday guy.

chris (illinois)

Did you decide to write for Insider or did ESPN put you there. Just curious (I do have Insider and I love it)

Klaw

  (1:31 PM)

I think I was Insider from the start. It wasn't my call, but I don't mind it either.

DG (Iowa)

Any concern with J. Baez slow start in AAA? Or SSS?

Klaw

  (1:32 PM)

Some of it is SSS, but some of it is a continuation of what we saw last year - poor plate discipline, overaggressiveness throughout the count. I don't think he hits .169 or strikes out 40% of the time all year, but I think it's cooled some of the enthusiasm over Baez, and rightly so. He wasn't ready in March and he's not ready now.

Charles (San Jose)

Tommy Lasorda wants V. Stiviano to be hit with a car. Comment?

Klaw

  (1:34 PM)

I'm not surprised. The media's image of Lasorda isn't the real Lasorda.

Bob (NYC)

Is Gettys the closest to having a Trout-like ceiling (of course that's best possible case scenario) in the draft? and if so, why hasn't he been mentioned as going in the top 5?

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

I hate that comparison - and I've heard it from a couple of scouts, too - because Trout was NEVER this crude of a hitter. Gettys has real swing issues that are the reason he's not a top 5 or top 10 pick. He has a 80 arm, and he's a 70 runner, and you'll see BP power, but he's a guy you hand to player development and say "Fix him."

JR (Vegas)

How well do BB project? Nimmo has 33 walks in 33 games; is that a skill that tends to stay constant at at levels?

Klaw

  (1:37 PM)

Coming into 2014 he had 121 UIBB in 189 career games. This is a skill he already had, so while he *probably* won't walk once a game forever, you could ignore this year's numbers almost entire, just go off his career figure (the base-rate), and still say with confidence that he's a patient hitter.

Mike (Tampa)

Better comp for Gettys = Marisnick or Stubbs?

Klaw

  (1:38 PM)

Good calls there - similar profiles. Stubbs for me. Marisnick was always a little more polished than he got credit for, IMO.

Jeff (Calgary, Alberta)

I know you weren't as high on him as others coming out of the draft, but what have you heard about changes to Daniel Norris' delivery? The 2nd half of last year and the first half of this year seems to be enough to show a legitimate step in the right direction?

Klaw

  (1:39 PM)

Wrote about that this winter in the Jays' top 10. They did clean him up, get him more online, and the command started to improve last summer.

MJ (E-town)

If the Pirates called Polanco up today, with his speed/defense could he be a ~ 2 WAR player for the remainder of this season?

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

Yes, I think I'd call that a slightly pessimistic projection.

Randy (Germantown, MD)

any thoughts on when Trea Turner may get drafted? As Mets fan from the 70s and a NC State alum '89, I'm hoping it is to the NY Mets! thanks.

Klaw

  (1:41 PM)

If you're a Mets fan, you should want them to take someone better.

Matt (Charlotte, NC)

It looks like Wilmer Flores is getting called up, and he'll play SS. Do you plan on watching at least one Mets game just for shoots and giggles?

Klaw

  (1:42 PM)

Maybe when Zack Wheeler is pitching, so there's something to balance it out.

U.G. Wilcox (DC)

Why are some people apparently offended by the idea that Rendon may be (or may end up being) a better player than Harper?

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

Well, he's not, first of all, although that's no slam on Rendon. But more importantly, Frandsen should know better than to say something that stupid. There were better ways to handle the question, and Frandsen talked like a little kid who had never been interviewed by the media before. I'm a little disappointed the Nats didn't just DFA him on the spot - you don't need MORE controversy in that clubhouse, certainly not from a disposable player like him.

BassmanUW (Chicago)

Are there specific mechanical things that Javier Baez needs to do, or is it just hoping that with more PAs, seeing more pitches, and maturity, he'll get a little more selective?

Klaw

  (1:43 PM)

Well, not swinging out of his a** all the time would be a start.

Dave (Chicago)

Did health concerns bump Finnegan down your list?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

Sore shoulder. Might have gone in the late top ten before that, not top 5 but maybe 8-9-10 area; with the shoulder issue and TCU's horrible track record any team that takes him in the top 15 or so is foolish.

Bo (Arlington, VA)

Surprised at how well Castellanos is playing?

Klaw

  (1:46 PM)

He's hitting .234/.265/.404. I thought he'd be performing a lot better than that (#SSS).

Terrance (DC)

You said previously Blake Treinen is a likely reliever... still maintain that?

Klaw

  (1:47 PM)

Yes. I see the 18 hits he's allowed in 11 innings has really swayed you.

FishermanCWC (New York )

Any good prospects coming out of the North east this year?? Maybe a Jason Reynolds or Ronnie Babb?

Klaw

  (1:48 PM)

Newcomb and Blewitt are in my top 25. Isan Diaz could go in the third round if he's signable there (Vandy commit). Austin Dicarr and Joey Gatto might be 4th-5th round range, although Gatto may just go to school at that point.

BD (DC)

You were disapointed the Nats didnt DFA Frandsen?? Wow man, you lose real credibility for me for that. Nonsense.

Klaw

  (1:49 PM)

OH MY GOD I LOST "REAL CREDIBILITY" WITH INITIALS GUY

Neufeldt (New Berlin, WI)

Is there a way to find out when Polanco's Super 2 deadline passes?

Klaw

  (1:50 PM)

No because it's not a specific date. It's an estimate, because the target moves each year and isn't known until three years later. If it matters that much, just wait till June 10th and call him up - I don't believe the date has ever been that late.

Kyle (Visalia)

When is the 'Super Two' deadline and what is that exactly?

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

Here's the basics. A player with between 2.000 (two years, zero days) of service and 2.171 (two years, 171 days, which is one day short of three years) may be eligible for arbitration as a "super two" player if he 1) ranks in the top 22% for service time among all players in that service time range and 2) had at least 86 days of service in the preceding season. Also, it is the most overrated thing in baseball right now. We really know that Polanco will come up now, never go back down again, and turn into such a great player that the small increase in his pay over years 3-6 of his service will dwarf the marginal benefit of his production over the 60-70 extra days he'll be held in the minors this year?

Andy (Madison, WI)

Could there be an advantage in coming years to picking northern prospects? Guys in Minnesota probably aren't throwing 12 months a year.

Klaw

  (1:53 PM)

They're also facing much worse competition.

Dan (New Mexico)

Follow-up to the Treat Turner comment - was he simply overrated coming into the 2014 season, or has there been a significant downgrade in his tools since last season? (or other?) Much thanks, Keith.

Klaw

  (1:54 PM)

I always thought he was overrated. He hasn't been an 80 runner since his freshman year, and his swing needs a lot of work. I think the majority view is that he'll stay at shortstop, which helps, but I am personally concerned that his frame is slight for the wear and tear of the middle infield.

Rob (Lime Rock, CT)

Saw Mookie Betts in New Britain a couple weeks ago. I'm obviously far from a scout, but he was very impressive. Do you think he eventually moves to the OF?

Klaw

  (1:55 PM)

I'm sure he could, but where he goes will depend on a lot of other variables.

Greg (Brentwood, MO)

I'm looking to break out of the steak/burger/chicken bbq routine. Any suggestions?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

Salmon. Wild-caught, if you can. Grills beautifully as long as you oil the grates and are careful not to overcook it. (When you get little white dots on the surface, you've overcooked it.)

stewart (louisiana)

What do you think of Alex Bregman, LSU SS? He isn't elligble till next year but do u see him as a top 10 pick?

Klaw

  (1:56 PM)

Could be. Not a SS at the next level. Hasn't had a very good year at the plate, either. But I like his swing and his feel to hit.

Doug (Chicago)

Klaw, if Dunn ends up with 550-575 homeruns, is that enough to make him a HOF? Thanks

Klaw

  (1:57 PM)

Doubt it.

Elton (Chicago)

Hi Keith -- love the blog. You're the only reason I keep my subscription. Any thoughts on the Parks and Rec finale?

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

Loved it. Can't say that strongly enough. It was the best non-finale series finale I've ever seen. They could easily have walked away on that hour. Let's hope the Emmy voters actually watched in this year.

Derek (Milwaukee)

Is there anything to Ruben Amaro's speculation that cold weather is to blame for Franco's cold start? If so, wouldn't teams be concerned about his performance in an important cold weather month, say, like October?

Klaw

  (1:58 PM)

That sounds like rationalization, which is Latin for "making excuses."

Mike (WI)

How much longer do you think the Brewers leave Fiers in AAA? Aside from his bad game just the other day, he's been fairly impressive since coming back.

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

Because that's what he is. I don't think he's more than an emergency starter in the majors.

Brett (Wisconsin)

What are you and your daughter planning for your wife for Mother's Day? (Assuming your wife doesn't read the chats)

Klaw

  (1:59 PM)

Brunch in Philly ... and I might end up at the Blue Rocks game, which will be exciting for her.

Jon (DC)

Braves have real lineup concerns, or just a blip in a season?

Klaw

  (2:00 PM)

Some real, some not. Freeman's had a rough two weeks but he'll be fine. I'd like to see Simmons not buried at the bottom of the order. Gattis shouldn't be starting and if he is he shouldn't hit higher than 6th or 7th. But I don't think this is a below-average offense no matter where everyone hits, and eventually La Stella and Bethancourt will arrive and make it a little better.

Klaw

  (2:01 PM)

BTW, there's been a question in every chat since the season starter from Hugo (SC) asking if I'd still bench Gattis because his OPS was such-and-such. Of course, Gattis' numbers are at a season low ... and the troll isn't here. I'm shocked.

Christopher (Staten Island)

Hey Keith, how much influence does Boswell have with the Nationals? Do you think if Bosweel keeps it up the Mets can trade Granderson and a Shake Shack burger for Harper in the offseason?

Klaw

  (2:02 PM)

Boswell is way out of tune with the game at this point, and his attitude on Harper this year is just bizarre. Twenty-nine other teams would like to have him if the Nats don't - and frankly I don't believe that they don't.

sean (pa)

if the cubs take jackson at #4 do you think he has the skill set defensively? or because he bat will play he gets moved eventually to one of the corners in the of?

Klaw

  (2:03 PM)

Variety of factors here but all signs point to him not catching long-term. I do think he has the arm and glove for it, at least.

JKI (L.A.)

Your recommendations for cooking scallops? So much water comes out of them when I cook them. Is searing the key?

Klaw

  (2:04 PM)

Sear at high heat and do not cook them through unless you enjoy eating rubber tires.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

Would the ability to trade picks make the draft better, or just better for TV?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

It would make it far more effective at helping smart teams get better. I'm in favor. Unfortunately I don't think the draft will ever make great TV - but then again I don't think the NFL draft makes great TV.

Rob (Socal)

Is C.J. Cron going to be a Mark Trumbo clone?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

There are a lot of similarities there, unfortunately.

Shawn (Ashburn)

Sorry I missed you while you were in Ashburn. Were you able to check out any of the local fare or make your way into DC?

Klaw

  (2:05 PM)

My parents live in Loudoun County.

Ian (OK)

How much should we trust fip for minor league pitchers? It it a better indicator at AAA than A ball?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

I wouldn't use it at all.

Jeff (Calgary, Alberta)

Is Mitch Nay hitting his way into top 100 consideration for next year?

Klaw

  (2:07 PM)

Obviously SSS is *still* the answer ... but I just checked Nay's stats. He has one home run, a .101 ISO, and isn't even walking in 10% of his PA. If you're going to ask me if a (corner) prospect is hitting his way into top 100 consideration, doesn't he have to, you know, hit?

Scott (SF)

Help with crepes! I can't seem to get the shells thin and crispy. They seem to think and rubbery - am I simply using too much batter?

Klaw

  (2:08 PM)

Yes and batter might not be thin enough. Use more liquid.

Hugo (NC)

Oh I'm here all right. Given the Braves offensive woes, you'd still bench Gattis for Bethancourt?

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Well, credit to you for showing up. I'd take the large defensive gain over the small offensive loss. (And thanks for the more rational/less snarky question.)

franky (houston)

if you were the Astros gm, who would you draft #1

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

Aiken.

Patrick (New York)

How many questions do you usually get in the chat que or how many per min I guess? I always wonder if you are able to see every question and if you don't answer it means you have no opinion or if you miss some because of a flood of questions.

Klaw

  (2:09 PM)

We're at 721 so far today.

Adam (Phoenix)

Does Jose Peraza have the arm to play the OF?

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

I have no idea why you'd do that. If SS is occupied - and I would say that it is - then put Peraza at 2b and turn eleventy billion double plays a year.

JR (Vegas)

Any non-processed foods you detest?

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

I don't like raisins. Although I guess those are processed, too.

Klaw

  (2:10 PM)

Oh, and heart. Beef heart, chicken heart, whatever, non mi piace.

Brett (Wisconsin)

When talking about the Braves woes today, why is no one mentioning Heyward? Their leadoff hitter is batting .210 and has been struggling now going on 2 years. What is his problem?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

I don't have an answer to that, unfortunately. I wish he walked more, as he once did, but he makes plenty of contact and isn't a groundball machine like he was when he was fighting the shoulder issue and changed his swing. The fact that he and BJ Upton have regressed has to be a real concern for ATL fans.

Mike (OH)

So Polanco is still in AAA because he still "has things to work on" (BS, I know.) The Pirates offered him a 7 yr deal though. How does MLB reconcile these two things? I assume you can't sign a guy to a 7 yr deal then send him to AAA for it's first few months. Should these contradicting approaches tick players off?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

Sure you can - the player gets paid either way, but the team can send him down.

Jon (Anaheim)

If C.J. Cron hits 35 home runs, I'd think the Angels would be more than happy.

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

If it comes with a .280 OBP and no defensive value, then probably not so much.

Dan (Detroit, MI)

Kubitzka/Ziomek/Farmer/Crawford are doing quite well for the Whitecaps thus far. Your thoughts on their collective ceiling?

Klaw

  (2:14 PM)

That's quite a bullpen right there.

Ken (Philly )

How high of a ceiling does JP Crawford have ?

Klaw

  (2:15 PM)

I think he's a star. Top 5 shortstop in the majors.

Corey (NYC)

Bogaerts still a SS long term? Is Marrero good enough to let him move to 3B ?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

I'd leave Bogaerts at SS and let him challenge for an MVP award or two.

Jake (NYC)

What do you think of Wong getting sent down?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

Seemed like a massive overreaction to something like a week's worth of struggling (spread over 10-12 days).

John David (Ok City)

Tulsa has 3 major league starters in their rotation. Will any of them see time w/ the Rockies this year?

Klaw

  (2:16 PM)

Yes. I doubt they ever spend any time in AAA though.

Cam Bedrosian (LAA)

With my +15 K/IP in AA, am I the next Angles closer by summer?

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

You could be in their pen by summer. That alone would be pretty impressive.

JKI (L.A.)

Tips for surviving the first year of a newborn girl?

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

The first year is easy if you can find ways to get enough sleep. At six months your daughter won't be independent-minded yet.

@Jaypers413 (IL)

What kind of ceiling does Andrew Toles have, in your opinion?

Klaw

  (2:18 PM)

I'd say fifth outfielder, but I'm not sure that role exists any more.

JD (DC)

As an initials guy myself, I urge you to keep an open mind about future initials guys, with whom you may still have real credibility. Anyway, heard any word on Guerrieri post-surgery?

Klaw

  (2:20 PM)

Everything I heard this winter was positive, but I don't think we ever know for sure until the kid is on a mound throwing at 100%.

Eric (PA)

Heading to Boston for two days in July. Any restaurant recommendations?

Klaw

  (2:20 PM)

Toro. Oh, I suppose there are other places, but that was always my favorite.

Mark (SF)

Brandon Crawford seems to have a much better approach against LHP so far this year and has looked great with the glove. Major league starter for the next 5 years?

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Glove is plus, nothing else is. Whole stat line is buoyed by unsustainable performance vs lefties and hitting in front of the pitcher often. I think he's a below-average regular overall, but he'll probably play every day until they develop another shortstop.

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

Any good restaurant recommendations from your trip to the Garden State?

Klaw

  (2:22 PM)

Was I there? NJ is just the state I cross when trying to get home from NYC...

Nick (Topeka)

Do you see Monte Harrison being a first round pick? is there any chance he gets to Nebraska to play football/baseball?

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

Yes on first round, no on Nebraska.

BassmanUW (Chicago)

I'd say the number one tip for surviving your first newborn is to try to worry as little as possible about the small stuff. If you have concerns, go see your doctor, but odds are your child will be just fine independent of whether you formula feed or breastfeed, or if you have paid child care or one of the parents stays at home, etc. etc. Except with vaccinations. Vaccinate your kid. Jenny McCarthy is not a public health resource.

Klaw

  (2:23 PM)

All true.

Frank (CT)

speaking purely out of ignorance, what is the benefit of a prep student going to college instead of signing with a team? Youd have to figure that there is plenty of time to go back to school if an MLB career doesnt pan out.

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

I tell just about every top prep prospect to whom I ever talk that they should sign. Get every dime you can, and then sign. Most college programs won't make you better - there are a few exceptions - but they will use you however they see fit, regardless of whether it'll hurt you long-term.

JT in Austin (See Left)

Do you think Joe Panik can be the everyday 2b for the Giants? He's done well in hitter friendly PCL but it seems obvious Scutaro isnt coming back soon.

Klaw

  (2:24 PM)

No. Hasn't done well either - look at where he's played.

Joe (Chicago)

Why would you send a letter to scouts but not just remove your name? I get not fully closing the door, but it will just look bad if the kid eventually signs, no?

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

Can't remove your name except by refusing to take the mandatory drug test. Nate Kirby did that two years ago but I don't know of anyone else who did. And I hope Bukauskus doesn't do that - it is irrational to refuse to even let a team blow you away with an offer.

Klaw

  (2:25 PM)

Who cares if it "looks bad?" If you get $1.5 million or more, you can afford to make yourself look better.

David (New York)

I assume we've seen the end of behind the dish? Enjoyed it

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

For now, yes.

Joe (LA)

Has there been a real change with Dee Gordon (added 15 lbs od muscle!!1!), or is this just noise?

Klaw

  (2:26 PM)

Three quarters noise, one quarter real.

Steve (NJ)

Now now, Keith. I know you've been to Lakewood. Speaking of which, who's there this year that I should go see?

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

Crawford. And Larry Greene, to see what it's not supposed to look like.

Bret (Toronto)

Have you heard any rumblings for what the Jays might do with their two picks in the draft? Does there figure to be any creative opportunities for them?

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

Prep arms, most likely. Certainly chances to get creative, including Hoffman.

Charles (San Jose)

How common is it for an MLB team to include future college tuition in the contract of a HS draftee?

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

Nearly universal.

Ira (NJ)

Keith, you live in Delaware. You have no business ripping on NJ.

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

Check your tax bills, Ira.

Brian (New Jersey)

Where does Joe Gatto project in the draft?

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

I don't think he belongs in the top 3 rounds.

Justin (Phoenix)

How bad does the Trevor Bauer trade look for the Dbacks right now?

Klaw

  (2:28 PM)

About as bad as we expected it to look. "We" doesn't include Kevin Towers, though.

Klaw

  (2:30 PM)

Thanks, as always, for all of your questions. I'll be back next Thursday to discuss my first-round projection, which will be posted that morning.