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Hi Everyone,

Between an appointment and some technical issues, there will be no Minor League Update today, but I want to make it up to you, so feel free to ask questions about prospects, the draft, and whatever else you like below and I'll check in every hour or so to chime in and answer as many as I can. Sorry for the inconvenience, but we'll still be talking prospects, right?

Thank you for reading

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jparks77
8/25
If you could go Fedora shopping with any prospect currently playing in the minors, who would be the lucky lad and why?
kgoldstein
8/25
Jared Head, Miles Head or Stephen Head.
sungods7n
8/25
Too bad Benny Agbayani & Kevin Mench are not prospects.
biteme
8/25
SenatorsGuy
8/25
Brian Dozier/SS Twins - will he stick at short? Is he good enough to figure as an "average" MLB shortstop? Any tools grade over a 50 now or projecting in the future?
kgoldstein
8/25
He's not a toolsy guy, but he is a huge makeup kid who gets the most out of what he has. That said, he really can hit, with a excellent sense for contact. He's not the kind of fast-twitch athlete you want at short, but could end up as a solid every day 2B with average, some walks, but little power.
LRock32
8/25
What is Drew Hutchison's ceiling? His debut last night in AA was impressive (5IP 2H 0R 2BB 7K) and he seems to be climbing the ladder in the Toronto organization quickly.
kgoldstein
8/25
He is climbing the ladder and scouts have been very impressed with him. I think his ceiling is a three starter, and to re-iterate, that is VERY strong praise.
Ophidian
8/25
What should we think about the disappointing season that Matt Lipka has had?
kgoldstein
8/25
That he has far more development in front of him than initially expected. More troubling is just how little progress he's made. The holes in his game that scouts saw in April are still there.
Ophidian
8/25
I'll look forward to the full offseason scouting report presuming he still slides into the back end of the Top 20.
robstol
8/25
Not a question about a specific procspect here but -- are there any college coaches/programs that actually do a good job in minimizing the abuse heaped upon their pitchers?
timber
8/25
Not Kevin, but during the NCAA regionals there was a lot of talk about how careful Florida is with guys considered to have a very bright pro future, eg Karsten Whitson. They keep strict pitch count limits.
jivas21
8/25
Tony Gwynn was very careful with Stephen Strasburg at San Diego State, refusing to pitch him in relief the same weekend as his start and generally keeping his pitch count down.

Sure, Strasburg got hurt his second year of pro ball, but it wasn't a result of overuse by Gwynn.
robstol
8/26
I wonder if that's the rule for Gwynn or was simply done because of the increased scrutiny on a phenom.
kringent
8/25
Derek Norris is still doing the power and patience thing but his appalling lack of contact (.199 BA as of this morning) seems like a big red flag. Are there positive reports or is his stock on the way down?
kgoldstein
8/25
I still like the Mickey Tettleton comps. He really can do some things, it's just that hit for average is not one of them.
Cardinals645
8/25
What is the range of scouting reports you're getting on Oscar Taveras' power ceiling? Is it possible he just winds up a 'tweener: unable to play CF, but not enough power for RF?
kgoldstein
8/25
It's certainly possible. I don't ever think he'll be a masher, but he can really hit, and the higher of an average he can do that at, the less the power matters. Some have projected average power (15-20 per year) down the road for him.
elongenhagen
8/25
I'm curious about what separates Jose Iglesias from other glove only shortstops like Freddy Galvis and Gustavo Nunez. More projection left in his bat? Is he much better defensively than the other guys? It just seems like he is much more highly touted than players with similar skills sets and I wantd you thoughts on it. Thanks
kgoldstein
8/25
I think everyone expected him to hit much more than he has this year. Nobody expected greatness, but more of an empty .270 as opposed to an empty .220.
dtrainmets
8/25
we need a nickname for Brett Lawrie any thoughts Thanks Jason or Kevin
jparks77
8/25
Poutine
holgado
8/25
Nailed it.
chewbalka
8/25
I think one of the BP tweets was FullTilt
hotstatrat
8/25
Lawrie is from British Columbia - thousands of miles from Quebec, where that dish originated and is still most popular. So, "Poutine" is painting all Canadians with a brush that is thousands of miles too broad.

"Full Tilt" suits his style, doesn't it?

If you want something tough, fast, and Canadian, you could go with "Goon", but I certainly wouldn't want to call him that.
ProudestMonkey
8/29
Poutine it is
jtanker33
8/25
Russ Canzler of the Rays? I remember last year Dan Johnson came up late and contributed some before being let go this year. Is Canzler the same kind of guy, or does he have a chance at sticking around?
kgoldstein
8/25
He definitely can at least hit, and him carving out some sort of 4th OF career wouldn't shock me . . . but I wouldn't guarantee it either.
Thejaeti
8/25
What's the percentage breakdown of scouts, GMs, etc. who might be described as scared or concerned by Bauer's workload and conditioning routine vs. those who figure, hey, it works for him?
kgoldstein
8/25
Fun question. I'd bet it's somewhere around 50/50 long term, but I think for the short term, most would shut him down this year at least.
rdonahue77
8/25
Any chance Tom Milone's stuff translates into a back of the rotation starter, or is he purely a 4A guy?
kgoldstein
8/25
There's a chance, but I wouldn't call it an especially high one. Still expectations for a fifth starter these days aren't exactly much.
ethanwitte
8/25
Carlos Martinez from St. Louis. What's his ETA (I know it's a while from now), and projected role (ace, 1A to Miller, #2, #3?)

Trevor May - better prospect than his former teammate, Cosart?

Travis Snider (not sure if he qualifies as a prospect still) - what are your opinions on his "failure" in the big leagues? I say "failure" because he's still only 23
kgoldstein
8/25
1. Too early. 2013 at the earliest, and while it's certainly nowhere close to a time to move him yet, I still think there's a good chance he's a closer in the end.
2. No, but it's close.
3. My faith is dwindling, but I do wonder if he's a good change of scenery candidate.
sungods7n
8/25
What are you hearing about Vicente Campos?
kgoldstein
8/25
Great frame, very projectable, very smooth with plus command, good stuff that should get better over time.
SenatorsGuy
8/25
Trey McNutt - what have we learned in 2011?
kgoldstein
8/25
Has scuffled with mechanics, throws everything with 100% effort, stuff is still good, but there are a lot of concerns.
leites
8/25
Frankie De La Cruz: does the current version of his fastball have enough movement to enable some success in the majors (assuming he can limit the walks)? If so, are the secondary pitches good enough to project him as a starter?
kgoldstein
8/25
I'm not sure he'll ever be more than an up and down guy, and as a reliever.
jcjohnson
8/25
Robbie Ray and A.J. Cole have both been good at low A this season as 19-year-olds. Consensus seems to be that Cole is the better prospect, but is his ceiling that much higher than Ray's?
kgoldstein
8/25
Yes. Ray has good stuff, Cole has tremendous stuff. Big upside difference because of it.
karp62
8/25
What's your feelings about Simon Castro's struggles? Still a couple of years to let him figure things out? On another note, any word on Jenrry Mejia's road to recovery? Thanks KG.
kgoldstein
8/25
Castro's struggles are real and troubling, as his secondary pitches have regressed. Mejia is only three months removed from surgery, so nothing to report there.
mrenick
8/25
Any reports on your A's prospect, Renato nunez?
kgoldstein
8/25
Has played in the Dominican this summer and the bat has impressed.
roygbiv
8/25
Thoughts on Jake Marisnick in the Jays system? - I saw Keith Law say he prefers him to Gose.. agree?
kgoldstein
8/25
Absolutely and completely. I think Marisnick is the best position prospect I've seen in the Midwest League this year.
jalee121
8/25
Kevin,
I have noticed a huge lack of White Sox prospects in your update. I'm not here to slam you at all...as the best prospects should be covered. My question is how bad is it?
kgoldstein
8/25
It's really, really bad.
earpbartman
8/25
profar or starlin castro long term? assume castro stays at SS (and that he can keep his mind on the game for more than an at-bat at a time)
kgoldstein
8/25
I don't like your assumption, as I think Castro is not going to last at shortstop for very long. Hell, he shouldn't be there now (Barney is the better defender there). Castro has more offensive upside than Profar, but Profar will stay at the position at least.
LukeLeSaffre
8/25
What do you consider Manny Banuelos' ceiling to be? solid #2? What range do you think he, G Cole and Rendon end up in your top 100? Thanks
kgoldstein
8/25
Solid two sounds about right, but I'm not as sure as I was heading into the year. As for Top 100 questions, we'll have to wait and see.
SenatorsGuy
8/25
Yorman Rodriguez - Are there any signs that Mr. Tools is getting any closer to controlling real skills?
kgoldstein
8/25
There was definitely some progress being made before he go hurt, but the approach is still a mess.
surlycooper
8/25
Who do you like better: Oswaldo Arcia or Eddie Rosario? Do either have a shot at your Top 100 (or Top 50)?
kgoldstein
8/25
Top 50? No way. Top 100? Maybe. They are very close.
johnorpheus
8/25
As a Cards fan, if Martinez ended up a closer, that would be about the most disappointing thing possible after hearing all the hype surrounding him. If he could be an inconsistent mid-rotation guy with number 1 stuff and poor command/not a lot of innings, I would much rather have that than a reliever. If I'm the Cards, I start him until it is absolutely apparent he cannot start in any capacity. Going the Feliz/Chapman route would be a big mistake.
kgoldstein
8/25
There is no indication that he's moving to the 'pen anytime soon.
Nater1177
8/25
Xander B project as being able to stay at SS? Showing this much power at this age, makes me wonder if he is destined to 'fill out' to the point where SS becomes an issue.
kgoldstein
8/25
He didn't look like a SS heading into the year; and that's still the case. Could be 3B, could be RF.
nils707
8/25
How does Eddie Rosario compare to Oswaldo Arcia ala last season? How does he grade out defensively?
Thanks! (0.9 ers are better people)
kgoldstein
8/25
Rosario is a better athlete than Arcia, but probably still not a CF in the end.
Nickus
8/25
Does Freddy Galvis have a shot at the starting SS job next year if Rollins isn't resigned?
kgoldstein
8/25
He does.
jcjohnson
8/25
How many of the teams who passed on Rendon are kicking themselves in five years?
kgoldstein
8/25
Somewhere between 0 and 5.
delatopia
8/25
Is snarky klaw posting under your name?
audhumla
8/25
If the rumors that the Astros wanted Wilin Rosario as part of a Wandy Rodriguez package from the Rockies are true, then whither Jason Castro?
kgoldstein
8/25
Well, Rosario is potentially better, no?
markbhey
8/25
What's the new ceiling on Wilin Rosario with his disappointing season this year in AA?
ColonelTom
8/25
What the heck has happened to Brody Colvin? Another awful outing last week (5 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, 1 BB, 2 K) - 5.02 ERA overall, only 70 K in 104.1 IP.
kgoldstein
8/25
Really just hasn't been healthy much of the year.
antonio
8/25
Hechavarria reportedly made a mechanical adjustment with AAA hitting coach Chad Mottola, and has done well so far at that level (small sample size alert). Still a long shot to make it as a full-time SS, or is there still hope that he can hit enough to make the grade?
kgoldstein
8/25
I think the hope was always that he could be a plus-plus defender who hits ninth. No need to change that.
ander521
8/25
In your network for obtaining input/feedback on prospects, are we talking 25 to 50, 50 to 75, 75 to 100 or over 100? How many do you talk to each week? What is the split on how much you get versus how much you give in a standard conversation, 75% get/25% give?
kgoldstein
8/25
Fun question. The network is triple digits, but there are people I talk to literally every day, and there are people I talk to once or twice a year and everything in between. I'm absolutely nothing without them.
kohlmss07
8/25
Wily Peralta: Has he climbed the ranks high enough to be in discussion for a top 50 prospect? Ceiling of a #2 SP?
kgoldstein
8/25
I don't think I'd go Top 50 yet, but I could see him giving the Brewers a Top 100 guy.
HankScorpio
8/25
Is Daniel Mateo anything to get excited about? I know nothing about his glove....any chance he can stick at SS?
kgoldstein
8/25
Um . . . he's not even playing SS this year. 2B and 3B.
jasemilw4
8/25
Is Dominic Brown the starter in RF next year for the Phillies?
kgoldstein
8/25
He SHOULD be. That doesn't mean he will be.
lionstar1964
8/25
More likely Pence in right. The question is more Brown vs. Mayberry, Jr. vs. platoon in left.
marshaja
8/25
I've noticed Zack DeVoss in the updates a few times recently. Will his lack of power kill the on-base percentage as he climbs or does he develop enough to be a useful player and take advantage of the plate discipline?
kgoldstein
8/25
That's the million dollar question, and the reason he's more intriguing than a big prospect at this time.
mschroeder14
8/25
Jarrod Parker's numbers look pretty good this year (mostly AA I believe?). What are the chances he makes the rotation next year?
kgoldstein
8/25
Very good, but I doubt he'll begin the year there.
joalryan
8/25
I'm surprised to not hear Parker's name as a September call-up. Trevor Bauer seems to be the hot name. I'd love to see Parker get his feet wet this year with a shot at 20 starts in 2011.
delatopia
8/25
Jason Grey in his ESPN column today said the Diamondbacks want to keep Parker's innings around 125 as he comes back from TJ, and he's at 121 and change now.
Infrancoeurgible
8/25
Out of curiousity, how many players in the minor leagues have a 20 tool on the 20-80 scouting scale? I know certain players have 80 tools (Harper's power, Billy Hamilton's speed, Anthony Gose's arm) but how common is it for a prospect to have a 20 tool? I'd assume it can occur for really raw talent for their present tools, but rarely for anyone's projected tools.
Nickus
8/25
I'm guessing Daniel Vogelbach is a 20 speed guy.
stinkystan01
8/25
He had 4 triples this year :)
benharris
8/25
Was there no fence?
kgoldstein
8/25
Yeah, there are tons of 20 speed guys, they're all over the place. A few 20 arms, certainly some 20 powers.
MatternK
8/25
Thanks for doing this Kevin.

Your thoughts on Anthony Rizzo? I read somewhere that he doesn't have the bat speed for a good fastball in the majors.
kgoldstein
8/25
The Triple-A park makes him look way better than he is, but I still believe in him as a good every day first baseman with power and patience.
jaredhyman
8/25
What kind of ceiling/reasonable future can we expect from Familia?
kgoldstein
8/25
Bullpen arm, but a damn good one.
jlewando
8/25
Can you hit rewind and remind us all of John Mayberry's prospect status from past years?
kgoldstein
8/25
He was seen as a solid Top 11 type early, and then more of an org guy, I don't see any reason to think what's happening now is for real, but nothing wrong with riding it out, either.
cloakedarbiter
8/25
Kevin: What do you think of the Blue Jays' recent pitching promotions, specifically Syndengaard, Nicolino, Hutchison? What are their ETAs / are they being rushed or right on track?
kgoldstein
8/25
I don't think any of them are being rushed, and the Jays are doing an excellent job of being very individualistic with their pitchers as opposed to developing them by template. They all have starter potential, and the Jays are LOADED with young arms.
roarke
8/25
What is your gut instinct on the Cardinals 3B situation going forward? Given the choice between Carpenter and Cox, who do you think gives them the most value?
kgoldstein
8/25
I think what's important in reference to your question is that THEY like Cox better.
dwachtell
8/25
Is there an obvious ranking/gradation of the following four guys, who share nothing in common other than (a) being minor league pitchers and (b) being on one of my keeper teams: AJ Cole, Keyvius Sampson, Allen Webster, Brody Colvin?
kgoldstein
8/25
I don't hate that order there, might count more on Webster as he's more advanced than the others.
mrdannyg
8/25
How would you rank the guys starring at low levels this year? Eddie Rosario, Taylor Lindsey, Rymer Liriano? I assume they are all borderline (maybe just miss) top-100 guys?
kgoldstein
8/25
I like all of them. I'm not crazy about ranking questions because I hate to rank on the fly. I rank based on really in-depth research, which starts at the end of the season.
AllenH
8/25
Couple of Royals questions. What's your current opinion of the prospects for Mike Montgomery and Chris Dwyer, given the tough seasons they've had? And on Bubba Starling - supposedly he can throw 95 mph or something, if that's not just a Paul Bunyan tale. If he can (do you know if he can?), do you think that mitigates the risk that his hit tool might not develop, since they could possibly make him a pitcher?
kgoldstein
8/25
Montgomery and Dwyer are certainly down, but not in any crazy way. As far as Bubba pitching, he hasn't even played a game yet, so let's not worry about it yet.
jhagan2
8/25
What can Pirates fans expect out of Pedro Alvarez? I don't know that I would call him a bust at this point, but I think everyone thought he'd be producing at a higher level by now. What can the Pirates do to get him back on track? Thanks
kgoldstein
8/25
If I knew what the Pirates could do to get him back on track, I'd be wealthy. I certainly thought he'd be a cog in that lineup by now, yet here we are, and it is troubling.
mrdannyg
8/25
This is a great thread. I'm sure you can't keep answering everything, but appreciate all the answers so far! Hopefully non-Kevins will keep up the discussion even after Kevin moves on to, you know, live his life.

What are we hearing on Dickie Joe Thon Jr of the Jays? Is he a SS in the end, or more of a 2B/3B type? He's walking lots, striking out more and a few XBHs. Seems like a mixed bag. Do scouts see a big future?
kgoldstein
8/25
This IS my life. Thon is a good athlete with the tools to stay at shortstop, but he still needs work there (like anyone in the GCL). The bat gets mixed reviews, but it's hard to evaluate guys like that until they play outside a complex league.
escapeNihlism
8/25
is Wilmer Flores still a prospect?
kgoldstein
8/25
Barely.
moehk21
8/25
What is Vincent Catricala's power projection like?
kgoldstein
8/25
Average.
sapsparky
8/25
What's the story on Matt Adams -1b Cardinals? ETA? What to expect? Was that a miss on the top 11 list or is he Crash Davis?
kgoldstein
8/25
Is it a miss if nobody had him there? If so, I missed, and he'll definitely be on this year's list somewhere.
moehk21
8/25
Keith Law recently said he says Lance McCullers as a future reliever and I couldn't tell if he was joking. What do you think of McCullers?
jeffr92
8/25
He wasn't joking. McCullers doesn't have ideal size, there is some effort in the delivery, and the command needs to improve. The stuff is really good, but it's not surprising that some questions about his future role are emerging.
jpjazzman
8/25
Where do you think Trevor Bauer would rank right now if he had been eligible for your midseason top 50 list? Would Top 15 be a stretch?
kgoldstein
8/25
That's a wait and see. I can't just pull a Top 101 out of thin air.
andwoo
8/25
Thank you for the chat: Any word on Juan Urbina this year? He's giving up an awful lot of HR's so far.
kgoldstein
8/25
Talked to a scout who saw his last start. Up to 93, some feel for the secondary stuff. He's very raw, but there's real talent there.
mcdogerry
8/25
Kevin: in honor of hurricane Irene can you identify a disappointing Blue Jay prospect? Like the hurricane I will sit back and watch the fall-out from my couch.
mrdannyg
8/25
This is pretty hilarious - doubly so for Jays fans.
kgoldstein
8/25
It would have to be Drabek, no? I'm so glad who went over 50 innings so I don't have to worry about what to do with him.
mattseward
8/25
Kevin, there is a Baseball HQ saying that once a player has shown a skill, he owns it. Does that apply at all to prospects? Can a guy hit for average in the low minors, struggle in the high minors and hit for average in the majors.

The example I would give is Derek Norris who hit for .286 in Low A but is now struggling at higher levels.

Is it simply that he is now facing better quality breaking balls and will never hit for a good average or is it something some guys can correct with the right adjustments?
kgoldstein
8/25
I would not apply that to the minors. There are plenty of skills and/or traits than can allow one to succeed in the minors either at the plate or on the mound, yet do not work up the ladder.
anello52
8/25
Who has the best chance of being a star major leaguer: Starling Marte, Nolan Arenado, Guillermo Pimentel or Jacob Marisnick?
kgoldstein
8/25
Marisnick.
bobgale
8/25
Why has Lorenzo Cain been left in Omaha all year and what is your take on him?
kgoldstein
8/25
I wish I knew; I really like him quite a bit. Average or better every day CF for me.
btsully
8/25
What's Wes Timmons' glove like at 2B and 3B? Is he a viable major league bench bat, or does he simply not have enough power?

Thanks.
kgoldstein
8/25
Just an org guy. You realize he's 32 years old, right?
btsully
8/25
I understand he's not a prospect. But he finished 2nd in the IL in OBP in 2009 and 3rd in 2010. He'd be 2nd in the PCL this year if he had enough PA to qualify. Even without any power, that's much better than a typical org guy.

If he can play a decent 2B, which is where he's been recently, he would appear to be a decent utility player.
JWeinberg
8/25
Have you had a chance to see Matt West yet? He is still in his first year pitching so pretty far away from the big leagues, but he is putting Kimbrel-esque K numbers in A ball. What kind of promotion path should he be on?
kgoldstein
8/25
I have not seen him, but I've talked to scouts about him, and I have a scout seeing them this week. The stuff is fantastic, the command is shocking and he could be fast tracked in 2012.
mhmosher
8/25
Do the Mets have any closer candidates on their farm?
kgoldstein
8/25
Familia.
wma1963
8/25
Prospecting for next year..could you name a couple of players that haven't been called up yet this year that you think will have a starting major league position next year...thank you
msurell
8/25
Kevin...

Your thoughts on the Major League arrival time of the following guys:

Travis D'Arnaud
Tyler Skaggs
Tim Beckham

Thanks for your time.
kgoldstein
8/25
Would bet on seeing them all in 2012.
blamberty
8/25
Has Brett Eibner's solid hitting lately and his secondary skills mitigated his horrendous offensive start, or are there legitimate worries about his hit tool?
kgoldstein
8/25
Legitimate worries, but man do I like watching him play. Lots of tools there, but huge holes in his swing.
hotstatrat
8/25
Looking at the stats, it seems to me that Chance Ruffin and Charlie Furbush are just as good as Doug Fister = decent 4th starter types. What does the scouting community think - and am I looking at the stats wrongly to begin with?
kgoldstein
8/25
What about Francisco Martinez? That was a big part of that deal as well.
PaddyE
8/25
Who do you project (if anyone) winning the Giants middle infield jobs long-term? Emmanuel Burris seems yet another topped-out placeholder, we're all hoping Brandon Crawford will eventually be able to hit ML pitching, Conor Gillaspie seems to be stalled, and Ehire Adrianza is tbd. Is there realistic hope within the organization for the middle infield (conveniently ignoring the Sabean/Bochy proven vet syndrome)?
kgoldstein
8/25
Not really. Joe Panik?
HankandDan
8/25
Is Panik showing real skills, or is he just beating up on younger competition?
rweiler
8/25
I don't think it is fair to call Conor Gillaspie stalled. He has progressed through the minors one level per year and has put up slightly better numbers at every level, and he just turned 24, so it isn't like he is really old for AAA. It doesn't look like he will ever be a star or hit well enough to be a regular at 3rd, but he could be the utility infielder for the next couple of years. I'm more interested in Adam Duvall who was putting up great numbers at Augusta before he got injured, but was pretty old for the league. One would imagine that he will put up even better numbers at San Jose next year given that the California league is a hitters league. But, having never seen him play, I have no idea if he is for real.
rweiler
8/25
I went back to baseball-reference and checked Gillaspie's numbers vs Bill Mueller at the same age, and they really aren't that different, and it's hard to believe that Phoenix was a significantly worse place to hit than Fresno. Unless Gillaspie is a complete butcher on defense and can't handle 2nd at all, I don't see why he can't be a utility guy and, in any event, the remains of Freddy Sanchez are signed through next year.
PaddyE
8/26
If anything, Phoenix was a better place to hit than Fresno; the ball flew in that desert air. Gillaspie's defense was very good when I saw him in San Jose a few years back. So maybe I'm just too impatient--I only started going to SJ games when I moved to the south bay ~4 years ago, and I happened to hit a period when a lot of players shot from SJ to SF very quickly (Posey, Sandoval, Bumgarner, etc.).

Still, do we have any future backup/utility guys in our system wasn't the question. The question was do we have a hope of ending the revolving doors of "proven vets" & AAA backup/utility guys in the middle infield. If we get 70% of the year out of Sanchez next year I'd be surprised, much as I like the guy & his play when he's healthy. Maybe Keppinger becomes his backup, but imo that's mostly just another PV having poor pinch-hit appearances while hogging a roster spot. And good god, we still need a shortstop.

So, bottom line, it sounds like our only hopes for avoiding the continuing pain of watching Sabean overpay more below-replacement PVs is: 1) Crawford figures out ML pitching, and 2) in 2-5 years maybe, very maybe, Panik proves to convert well to 2B (and hit ML pitching). In the meantime Lincecum & Cain tire of watching stopable grounders find their way up the middle and losing 1-0 games, and move on to put together their HOF careers dueling each other for a decade on the Yankees & Red Sox.
delatopia
8/25
Shouldn't Charlie Culberson be in this discussion?
PaddyE
8/26
Yes, he should have been, in fact he belongs in it more than Gillaspie, since we're talking middle infielders. Regretfully he's only doing .251/.287/.370 in AA, so I'm not holding my breath.
ezsorensen
8/25
Rank these guys in terms of highest ceiling: Justin Nicolino, Wily Peralta, Zach Cozart, Rymer Liriano.
kgoldstein
8/25
Two pitchers, a shortstop, and an outfielder? I never know how to answer these.
roygbiv
8/25
Where would you put Marisnick and D'arnaud in your prospects rankings.. are we talking top 25, 50, 100?
LRock32
8/25
Thoughts on Raul Alcantara of the Red Sox - do the scouts reports back up the strong GCL numbers?
kgoldstein
8/25
Plus FB with plus command and good frame/delivery. Secondary stuff needs to develop, but very good.
nickgieschen
8/25
Any word on Ynoa's progress?
grandslam28
8/25
Who is your biggest upside prospect given where he is rated in top prospect lists?
garsonf
8/25
What do you see as the best case, and most likely case, scenario for Jo. Villar? Thanks.
LRock32
8/25
Can you rank these pitching prospects: Peacock, Wheeler, Peralta, Hutchison, Eovaldi and Lee
ezsorensen
8/25
Is Wilin Rosario a legit prospect, top 100? .282 obp in Tulsa?!?!?
jonkk1
8/26
Kevin ranked him at #36 in his 2011 pre-season list, but he didn't make the mid-season top 50.
grandslam28
8/25
Michael Ynoa, any updates on his recovery, and since he is so young could you see him jump up and be a top prospect with one healthy season?
kgoldstein
8/25
I could, but he'll need to actually HAVE that one healthy (and good, obviously) season.
twinkies25
8/25
Is Derek McCallum ever going to be the answer at second base for the Twins? I've been rooting for him ever since he graduated from the U of M, but it doesn't look like he'll fufill his potential.
huggirl
8/25
Vince Belnome. Please tell me something regarding his profile, though I know he's out now. He did nothing but hit at every level including at West Virginia and I can't find anything on him.
timber
8/25
Since you get to a few Kane County Cougars games every year, I was wondering if you have seen a Jason Adam start. Comments on his progress?
kgoldstein
8/25
Frankly, he hasn't lived up to expectations for me. More Low-90s than crazy velo, and sloppy location.
runninone2011
8/25
How concerning are Miguel Sano's strikeouts (69 in 60 games?)
kgoldstein
8/25
I still utterly adore him.
joalryan
8/25
Sano's been just awesome this year. Is it time to just put him in RF and let him hit his way to the majors, like the Nationals did with Bryce Harper?
Jquinton82
8/25
pick one of: Cole, Purke, Bundy, Bauer if you had to draft one next year and one of Lindor, Rendon, Springer, Starling for hitters. And could realistically use any of those hitters, though I do have Profar and Asdrubel Cabrera (don't mind stockpiling multiple options at premium positions).
BSpringer
8/25
How do we view Nick Franklin's year? Weird injuries or exposure of some real weaknesses?
Jquinton82
8/25
Are you still as high as you were on Segura at the beginning of the year? Also how much do you think the injuries push back his ETA?
gaughan
8/25
Armchair psychologist gimmick:

Punk Music, Pop Music, Classical Music....what prospect(s) come to mind for each of these genres?
kgoldstein
8/25
This question amazes and baffles me, so I have to think about it.
chewbalka
8/26
anello52
8/25
Who would you rather have: Cowart, Cuthbert or Arenado in 2014?
cbelford
8/25
How many of Atlanta's seemingly endless parade of pitching prospects end up on the opening day roster of 2012? Minor, Teheran, Delgado, Vizcaino? All of the above?
jaredhyman
8/25
Where do you come down on Betances as an individual and then in comparison to Banuelos' future?
dwachtell
8/25
How good is Addison Reed?
kgoldstein
8/25
Potential closer. Could be up in a week.
bkirkman
8/25
Was the Herculean performance from Oscar Hernandez this year in the VSL anything to truly get excited about?
Nickus
8/25
Can Ryan Westmoreland get an honorary spot in the Top 101 after hitting live pitching this year?
rweiler
8/25
Adam Duvall was putting up good numbers at Augusta before he got injured, but he was 22 for most of the year and an 11th round pick. Is that just a case of a guy too old for his league, or does he have some real skills that somehow went unnoticed?
rweiler
8/25
And a follow; in general, for a guy like Duvall that is pretty old, wouldn't it make sense for him to just skip the California league next year, where you assume that he would put up big numbers, and just go straight to AA next year which seems like it would be a better test? If he flails away, you can always send him back down a level.
jintman
8/25
What has happened to Kyle Drabek and do you see him getting back his mojo?
antonio
8/25
Who knows? Personally, I think he's tried to assimilate too many mechanical suggestions, and is having major confidence issues to boot. The pressure of being the offspring of a successful starting pitcher probably isn't helping.

I don't think anyone can say definitively that he's done - he's still relatively young - but he's got a lot of work to do.
moehk21
8/25
Who has more upside/who do you like more: Paxton/ Parker
joalryan
8/25
Lucas Duda seems to be taking good advantage of his playing time lately. Can he be a reasonable starter at LF/1B for a few years, or is he just enjoying a hot month?
kgoldstein
8/26
He can be a reasonable starter. Just talked to a scout who believes so.
mhmosher
8/25
Thank you KG, this is awesome.
sam19041
8/25
Is Reymond Fuentes the long term answer in CF for SD? Seems to have hit a wall lately.

Also, is Tyler Matzek seen as a typical lefty prospect (will take a long time to develop), a lost cause, or something else now?

Thanks KG!
AadikShekar
8/25
This is awesome KG.

1) How many "Panik in the Disco" headlines do you think would result from the Giants SS of the future making it to the big leagues? And do you think he's shown what's expected as a draftee (ie, beating up on a short-season league) or has he opened some eyes?

2) The Giants farm - At this point, its gotta be bottom five, right? No Belt, No Wheeler - I see Gary Brown, Francisco Pegeuro, Heath Hembree and ...
kgoldstein
8/26
1. Hopefully none; I think he's up in some eyes, but not in a crazy way.
2. It's not good.
Klochner
8/26
Thanks Kevin, this kind of thing is always appreciated. Other than high risk, what kind of prospect is Niko Goodrum?
mrdannyg
8/26
KG's not going to do my fantasy ranking for me, but what do you guys think? Need to pick two of:

Rymer Liriano, Eddie Rosario, Brandon Jacobs. Could also consider Dickie Joe Thon, Matt Szczur, Jorge Alfaro, Elier Hernandez, Ronald Guzman.

Opinions?
biteme
8/26
http://www.minorleagueball.com/
rskelley9
8/29
Rymer Liriano and Matt Szczur... not even close. Szczur is a young Scott Podsednik if he half-way meets his potential while Liriano is considered to be one of the top players in A-ball.
rawagman
8/26
Great idea. You talk about the Jays plenty, so my question is more philosophical. Is there an organization out there (or a Farm Director) who has implemented a philosophy that you would fully support? Would answering this type of question burn bridges for you?
kgoldstein
8/26
I think the majority of teams are doing a job I'd endorse, actually.
UtahColts
8/26
Is Devin Mesoraco's arrival in Cincinnati just a matter of time, or are they thinking of sticking with Hanigan?
arrosenthal
8/26
I'm guessing this is about toast, but I'll give it a whirl anyway: Rosell Herrera. I've watched him play about a dozen times this summer and he really seems impressive (and not in the 'college kid crushing the Pioneer League' way). What's the scuttlebutt on Rosell?
arrosenthal
8/26
And on queue, you're answering more. I'm a schmuck.
bvanbeek85
8/26
Zach Lee, inconsistent strikeout numbers... why?
Thanks
rskelley9
8/29
Because young pitchers not a year removed from high school are inconsistent in every facet of their game. He's 19. Remember when you were 19? imagine having people talking about you daily and random guys contemplating your "inconsistent" strikeout numbers on Baseball Prospectus threads...
bvanbeek85
9/02
What then is this thread for if not to get questions answered? Not criticism just curiosity about one of the better pitching prospects in the minors. Last night struck out just one, could I do that... No but my fastball doesn't sit at 94. That is why a "random guy" is asking a question.
gerrybraun
8/26
How high of an upside does Tyler Pastornicky have? what r his shots of being the braves starting SS next year?
rskelley9
8/29
Deadheadbrewer
8/26
What's the story with Chris Carter of the A's, please? Oakland seems to want to do anything BUT give him a legitimate shot at a starting position. Thanks!
acehart1
8/26
Saw a bunch of NY-Penn games this week. Was wondering about your feelings on some players...1. Batavia's David Medina and Cesar Valera. 2. Williamsport's Perci Garvin and Kyrell Hudson. These were some of the players who really intrigued me.
acehart1
8/26
Sorry, I meant to type Williamsport's Perci Garner.
bmmolter
8/26
Do the White Sox not believe in Viciedo, or do they just not think he's ready, whether it be because of glove or patience at the plate? I'm surprised that he hasn't been up yet and that they're putting in waiver claims on guys like Kubel instead of giving this kid a look to at least get his bat in the lineup.
Agent007
8/26
The GCL Orioles have a team ERA below 2.00. What do you think of Jaime Esquival? Cameron Coffey? Others on that starting staff...
longgg
8/26
Where does Tim Wheeler likely rate on Top 101 list? Will he hold down a starting job in Col outfield in the next year or two?
SaberTJ
8/26
Kevin,

F. Lindor, does he have potentially a better glove at SS than Asdrubal Cabrera?
hinnenra
8/26
Thoughts on Will Middlebrooks' ceiling? The tools seem to be turning into production, but he still needs to take a few more walks. Plus there seems to be no spot for him in the bigs unless Youk is moved off 3B.

By the way, I have seen Adam start twice here in Kane County. I agree - the velo was not impressive and the command needs some major work. My impression on Eibner was he could not turn on the inside fastball - telling me his swing is still very long. He has an impressive glove in CF though.
djbrown
8/26
what's the future hold for Ruben Sierra, Jr?
bloodface
8/26
Kevin,

Where is the NL West Draft Review for 2011? Can't find it anywhere. Thanks!
Kreylix
8/26
A's Jose Macias, RHP, Low A Burlington: 6IP, 1H, 0BB, 6K, 0ER last night. Just 1 hit in last 3 starts.

Past six starts: 36IP, 8H (!), 7BB, 29K, 6ER - 1.5 ERA.
lloydecole
8/26
Thank you, Kevin. This was a true tour de force performance. I mean, seriously........EPIC.
grover
8/26
What's the word on Grant Green's defense in CF?
rskelley9
8/29
What's with the Yankees draft strategy these past couple of seasons? Lots of tools in Mason Williams, Bichette, Culver, Cave, Heathcott, Gumbs but seems like they pretty much pick every talented player not highly scouted/not receiving mainstream attention. Is this Cashman's front office saving money by picking high ceiling guys/tools guys that don't receive the pre-draft attention that the Matt Purkes of the world do? I know the "theme" of the '11 draft was MLB bloodlines, but even though the draft is a gamble, I don't see the Yankees expensive scouting efforts ending with picks based almost solely on MLB bloodlines...

Anyway, so what's their strategy here? It's hard to call their 2010-2011 draft dissapointing with guys that have 6 years of development time before they even resemble what they can be.