Eric Longenhagen Prospects Chat, 3/21

12:01

Eric A Longenhagen: Good morning from Tempe.

12:02

Eric A Longenhagen: Chat, go.

12:02

Tommy N.: Did you get to see the Padres’ prospects recently? What can you tell us about what you saw?

12:02

Eric A Longenhagen: Yes, several.

12:02

Eric A Longenhagen: Hold on, let me grab my notes so I can do this properly….

12:02

Eric A Longenhagen: Okay..

12:03

Eric A Longenhagen: Enyel de los Sanots was not great. Scout who saw him last year and again this spring was not fond of what he thought was a mechanical change. 93-94 with a fringe breaking ball.

12:04

Eric A Longenhagen: Mason Thompson was 92-95, good curveball, some arm slot variation and fringe command in my short look, change looked fine, good arm speed.

12:04

Eric A Longenhagen: Jordy Barley (teenage SS that got $1 mil last July) was taking much better, stronger swings than when I saw him last fall.

12:05

Eric A Longenhagen: He’s a 60 or 70 runner still, too. Very toolsy. Was raw as an amateur, looks like he’s taken a step forward.

12:05

Eric A Longenhagen: Adrian Morejon was up to 96 and attacking hitters while locating three pitches. He’s going to move very quickly.

12:05

Eric A Longenhagen: There are more, it’s a very fun system, but let’s move on.

12:05

Sam: Could Austin Beck now go in the top five in the draft? Teams still have concerns?

12:07

Eric A Longenhagen: Yes, concerns are that 1) teams aren’t going to pitch to him the rest of the year which means you better have seen him already and 2) that not everyone has seen him versus elite pitching competition. Tools are for real though, and that’s all that matters. Have heard Tampa had heat in to see him. They pick at 4.

12:07

And THat: Suppose DL Hall, Jordon Adell, and Brendan McKay are on the board when the Brewers pick at 9 and for argument’s sake those are the top 3 guys remaining on their list. Who would you pick at that point? Does the Brewers’ deep depth in minor league OFs and relative lack of LHP depth weigh on your decision?

12:08

Eric A Longenhagen: If any of those guys is still there at 9 for me, I’d be doing backflips. McKay is probably the guy if he’s there (I don’t think he will be) just because he’s a lefty with a good body, delivery, velo and hook. And a fall back option if you like the bat, too (or vice versa)

12:08

Erik: Have any prospects showed up in the WBC as worth a closer look?

12:08

Eric A Longenhagen: He might be over=hyped eventually because he’s Yo’s brother but Yoelkis Cespedes is a dude.

12:08

Wylie Woodrow Wilson: How do you factor intangibles (leadership ability, work ethic, behavioral issues) into reports? Does it ever change a numerical grade or is it more about adjusting risk level (like Player A has a better chance of maxing out his tools than Player B because of his work ethic?)?

12:10

Eric A Longenhagen: There are a few guys whose makeup (which, when I use it in text is only to describe a player’s on-field work ethic, not off-field stuff) is lauded because it’s so good and others who you hear about because it isn’t, but on either end of the spectrum that’s maybe 5% of the entire population of prospects.

12:11

Eric A Longenhagen: I tend to avoid writing about it unless I hear it consistently about the same guy and you’re right, it doesn’t effect the numerical grades on the tools, just the risk profile that gets baked into the FV at the end.

12:11

Derrick W: Is it possible that if Gavin Cecchini has a 6 hit tool and can grow into an average/average+ 2B(both seem plausible), he’s being a bit underrated by the scouting community?

12:12

Eric A Longenhagen: I guess it’s possible but his throwing issues were so bad in the AFL that I have a hard time projecting him anywhere.

12:12

UCIrvineFan: What do you think of Keston Hiura’s tools? 1st round worthy because of the hit tool alone?

12:13

Eric A Longenhagen: I’m in. I’m hearing the same sort of thing from some scouts as I did when Scott Kingery was draft eligible. Love the bat, but what else is there and am I stoked on this guy in round 1 without anything else there? I like guys who hit and Hiura does. He’s at least an analytically-minded, back of the first round guy for me, and mayube someone’s under slot pick earlier than that. Hell, look at where Matt Thaiss went last year, and he has less pop than Hiura.

12:14

David: To what extent do you continue to evaluate Minor Leaguers after they have exhausted Rookie eligibility?

12:15

Eric A Longenhagen: I try to look at big leaguers once a month just to remind myself what the finished product is supposed to look like, but I’m not monitoring them with the same intensity I do prospects because I just don’t have the time.

12:15

Q-Ball: KATOH really likes Cub farmhand Isaac Paredes. More than Brendan Rogers! Do you think KATOH is nuts, or do you see that steady offensive potential?

12:16

Eric A Longenhagen: I like Paredes but KATOH doesn’t know, for example, what Paredes’ body looks like and that he showed up to camp quite a bit heavier than he was last year.

12:16

Eric A Longenhagen: I saw him..Saturday I think? He can hit, but it’s 3B right now so he’s going to have to.

12:16

Eric A Longenhagen: Saw Rodgers yesterday and he looks a little bigger, too.

12:17

Eric A Longenhagen: I like KATOH a lot and Chris’ work is good, but we all understand it has limitations, just like my eyeballs do.

12:17

Dave: How good will Norge Ruiz be?

12:17

Eric A Longenhagen: Relief for me.

12:17

Ryan Nolan: Two part question: 1) How often do you/most scouts move a fastball grade up or down based on things other than pure velocity 2) How much would you/most scouts move it.

12:18

Eric A Longenhagen: Some orgs have separate grades for velo and movement, others lump it all into one. Most I’ve moved it based on mvmt is a full grade.

12:18

Zonk: Generally, how would you characterize the upcoming draft talent pool? Deep, thin?

12:18

Eric A Longenhagen: Solid average, maybe a tick above.,

12:18

MLBDraftJunkie: Is Brendon Little in the top 15 conversation after transferring to JUCO?

12:19

Eric A Longenhagen: Possibly, but I’ve heard reliever worry which would make it unlikely if that’s a pervasive feeling throughout the industry.

12:19

Borkins: Ello, chap!

12:19

Eric A Longenhagen: Ello, ello.

12:19

Jimbo: Can you point me to an example of someone “chopping wood” (e.g., a video, specific player, etc)? I’ve seen it discussed many times, but am having a tough time visualizing what this swing looks like. Was never taught it growing up.

12:20

Eric A Longenhagen: I guess that’s what I’d describe as a downward bat path? It’s not fatal it just makes it hard to hit the ball in the air unless you have great timing anf can catch balls out in front of the plate consistently.

12:20

Eric A Longenhagen: Uh…video…

12:20

Eric A Longenhagen: This is a pretty extreme example.

12:21

Eric A Longenhagen: Another guy who does it…

12:21

Eric A Longenhagen:

12:21

David: To what extent does a FV grade change simply due to proximity to the majors? If a young player in A ball improves at the “expected” rate, will his FV increase as he moves up the minors? or is an expected improvement curve baked in, and the FV grade only improves if the player exceeds expectations?

12:25

Eric A Longenhagen: I project a ceiling (so just say, Pitcher X has a #1/2 starter ceiling, like a 70 on the scale) and then the risk/proximity gets factored in (he’s in rookie ball, so that’s a huge risk/proximity hit) probably makes him a 60 or 55.

12:25

Eric A Longenhagen: If the projection pans out, by the time he’s in Double-A or above he should be a 70, if something doesn’t develop in that span, the FV maybe didn’t move so much.

12:26

Eric A Longenhagen: All these guys are constantly be re-evaluated, of course.

12:26

JR: Have you seen Nick Allen yet? I saw another site put a 55 on the hit tool – that along with plus defense at ss seems like a pretty high draft pick, no?

12:26

Eric A Longenhagen: A prospect that scouts think can play a good defensive shortstop is almost always given first round consideration.

12:26

Eric A Longenhagen: Allen is small, really small, but I think he’s of that ilk.

12:27

Dak : Shane Baz 1st round RHP talent?

12:27

Eric A Longenhagen: On stuff, yes. Need to see strikes.

12:27

python-r: Been reading through your work more closely…the breadth and detail are amazing. Thanks for your service to all us baseball fans.

12:27

Eric A Longenhagen: Gracias.

12:27

Erik: You’ve said before that Dom Brown was your biggest scouting miss. I was reminded recently that he suffered a spring training hand injury the season he was supposed to break out as an everyday player, and he was never the same again. Can one injury like that derail a top prospect completely, or is it likely he was never going to be anything anyway?

12:28

Eric A Longenhagen: With Brown, I just don’t know. He was certainly different, to me, after the injury. But there were probably other things I missed, too.

12:28

Eric A Longenhagen: And yes, an injury can totally send a prospect reeling into oblivion.

12:28

Pete : Where would Andres Gimenez be drafted in 2017 MLB draft if coming out as a HS senior? Curious to see how you think he stacks up among these top guys in the incoming draft

12:28

Eric A Longenhagen: Top 15

12:28

Eric A Longenhagen: ish

12:29

baby bull : Pint may fall to me in a dynasty draft, would you put his more likely future as a SP or RP?

12:29

Eric A Longenhagen: I think he’ll figure it out eventually. Wasn’t great yesterday, though.

12:29

Zock jr: Eric, is Sam Travis a guy who would be helped by changing his launch angle (a la Yelich or Hosmer)? Or is he simply never gonna hit a lot of dingers?

12:29

Eric A Longenhagen: He probably would be but I’m not sure it’s an easy thing to do.

12:30

baby bull : if Touki were still in ARZ would you have him over Banda?

12:30

Eric A Longenhagen: No, it’s pretty clear I have a 50 on Banda and a 45 on Touki.

12:30

Eric A Longenhagen: Also, you’ve got a lot of questions in the queue and I’ve written about and ranked literally all of the guys you’re asking about.

12:31

Q-Ball: Do you have a prediction for the WBC tonight? Can we beat Japan?

12:31

Eric A Longenhagen: I think we get there, yes.

12:32

Eric A Longenhagen: Puerto Rico is an entirely different animal if we do, though.

12:32

Jim Lahey: do you think German Marquez has the repertoire to reach his mid-rotation ceiling in Coors?

12:32

Eric A Longenhagen: I do, huge fan of his. Mid-90s, plus curveball, in the bigs at the age of most college juniors. Excellent prospect.

12:32

Tony: Is there any hope left for brett phillips in a crowded Milwaukee outfield?

12:33

Eric A Longenhagen: I’m off Phillips, just don’t see him hitting.

12:33

Dookie Howser, MD: With Swanson seemingly the shortstop of the future (and present), do you expect Kevin Maitan to move anytime soon, or will the Braves keep him at SS for a few years?

12:33

Eric A Longenhagen: Makes sense to keep him there as long as possible but, eventually, it’s 3B.

12:34

Eric A Longenhagen: And the reasons it makes sense to leave him there are 1) trade value purposes 2) what if something happens to Swanson?

12:34

Ted: If you were a GM right now looking to deal with CHC, & looking for a pitching prospect, & could deal for any one of their arms, who would you select?

12:34

Eric A Longenhagen: Either del la Cruz or Albertos

12:35

Gotta know: When I go to minor league games, I sit behind the plate with the scouts. I have never — ever — seen one get up and go to the john during a game. Do you guys all wear Depends, or is rock-solid bladder control sort of an unwritten career requirement?

12:36

Eric A Longenhagen: All that driving and game-watching does incredible things to one’s body.

12:36

davels: Nick Williams looked a little more patient in approach this spring (4 walks!), and he seemed so much more like a “MLB player” this spring. You feel any more optimistic about him now?

12:36

Eric A Longenhagen: No

12:37

dart: What kind of pitcher do you think Cole Ragans will be in his prime?

12:37

Eric A Longenhagen: Mid-rotation starter. Didn’t have big velo when I saw him last, 88-92 or so, but it moves late and misses bats in the zone. Smooth, athletic delivery, great changeup. I quite like him.

12:38

Ben: Have you gotten a chance to see Xavier Turner? He hit well for two years at Vanderbilt before his suspension and has hit pretty well in the minors (although he was somewhat old for A-Ball). Still, I haven’t seen him on anyone’s Rangers list — even 30 names deep.

12:38

Eric A Longenhagen: I have seen him, fringey prospect for me. Maybe some bat to ball skills but no position. Definitely old for his level.

12:39

DR: buzz from Dodgers camp about Buehler. Heard anything new since your Dodgers list? Seems he’s really making a push.

12:39

Eric A Longenhagen: Was like 95-99 throwing live BP last week. It’s great if he can keep it up for a whole season.

12:39

Nietsniew: Why is it that scouts don’t specialize? There are hitting coaches and pitching coaches but not hitting scouts or pitching scouts.

12:40

Eric A Longenhagen: Some teams do deploy scouts who have a specialty.

12:40

Pat: Going to (Arizona) Spring Training this week! Any recommendations for a first time attendee? Food, local spots, whatever!

12:40

Eric A Longenhagen: Depends on where you’re staying.

12:41

Eric A Longenhagen: I’d say go to at least one minor league game while you’re here but I’m biased.

12:41

Javier Garcia: Good morning! Are you buying on Matt Chapman?

12:41

Eric A Longenhagen: Yes, I think the power and glove will help mitigate the K’s and he’ll be a good everyday big leaguer.

12:42

Gallantly Goofus: Casey Gillaspie or Sam Travis?

12:42

Eric A Longenhagen: Travis

12:43

Luis Robert: Where would I have ranked on your top 100? Rough estimate.

12:43

Eric A Longenhagen: Either in the 50s or at the back of the 55s

12:44

Wes: In regards to work ethic affecting grades, do you ever get skeptical that a player is just putting on a show for the scouts and that behind closed doors the work ethic isn’t really there?

12:44

Eric A Longenhagen: Nah, I don’t know what I’d look for that would indicate that.

12:45

mtsw: Should more organizations look to specialize in a particular weird type of player, like Tampa was supposedly doing with knuckleballers?

12:45

Eric A Longenhagen: They should, because it is super fun to scout. Please give me more LOOOGY/Pinch runners.

12:45

Eric A Longenhagen: I don’t know why I typed than many O’s, it was an accident.

12:46

Eric A Longenhagen: Roster expansion would have helped our cause on this end but it didn’t happen.

12:46

JT: I was surprised to see Chance Sisco with a future 55 hit tool given his high batting averages in the minors. Why so low?

12:46

Eric A Longenhagen: Catchers get beat up and their tools typically play down a little bit.

12:47

ohioastrosfan: Stubbs is a dude?

12:48

Eric A Longenhagen: Garrett? He’s unique but I’m a fan. Might not be able to catch 100+ games but he’s athletic enough to potentially have various roles and be a nice little gadget player.

12:48

Kev: Does #Rake Bauers have power in him that hasn’t been seen yet? Been hitting some crazy bombs in Spring Training.

12:50

Eric A Longenhagen: Yeah this is the big question with Bauers as I work on Tampa’s list: How much power is in there? It’s 1B-only for many so there has to be a lot. It didn’t look to me, when I saw him in the AFL, that he had the kind of bat speed necessary to generate first division, 1B-worthy power. But scouts who saw him here and in affiliated ball said he looked gassed here and there’s more to it than I saw. He’s a good prospect, top 5 or so in a good system, if you want to argue he should have been considered for the back end of my 100 I’d be receptive to that.

12:50

John S: Watching Maton in spring training. You were on the money. I’m in love. As a pure reliever, any real reason to leave him in El Paso?

12:50

Eric A Longenhagen: I don’t think so.

12:51

Barnaby B Jones: In terms of stuff and proximity to the bigs, which guy are you highest on: Buehler, Szapucki, Kaprielian? Love the chats.

12:51

Eric A Longenhagen: Buehler

12:51

Eric A Longenhagen: and Kap

12:51

Eric A Longenhagen: ahead of Szapucki.

12:52

Scott of Linconshire: I just saw a coyote in my backyard. Speaking of coyotes, did you get a chance to see Dylan Cease’s outing? Anything different from 2016? I hear rumors that the fastball is a little flat, but that could be the AZ air?

12:53

Eric A Longenhagen: Did see him Saturday morning, was 95-98, solid curveball and a slider I hadn’t seen him use before. Maybe it’s a little straight, yeah. Wouldn’t call it climate-related though.

12:53
Terry’s Sarape: Baseball America 2011
1. Bryce Harper, of, Nationals
2. Mike Trout, of, Angels
3. Jesus Montero, c, Yankees
4. Domonic Brown, of, Phillies

12:54

Eric A Longenhagen: Sure and he was #1 on the mid-season update that year. We were all wrong, but I was working at Lehigh Valley at the tine and saw him every day, so if anyone should have been able to see something wasn’t going to work (raises hand).

12:54

Philip: Has Bukauskas passed Faedo for you? And is Beck a legitimate top 5 draft consideration

12:55

Eric A Longenhagen: So far, yes. And yes too as well.

12:55

Trevor: Eric! So great you do these!! How concerned should A’s fans be that Puk spent the whole year in short A last year? Did the A’s not see what they thought they would?

12:56

Eric A Longenhagen: Nah, came off a long year at Florida. Easier to conservatively manage his innings at a lower level like Vermont then it is in a late-season, highly competitive environment in full season ball.

12:56

Ratt: Do you see Koda Glover as becoming a top-15 closer?

12:57

Eric A Longenhagen: Yes, he had one of the higher grades I gave a reliever all throughout listdom. Stuff can be filthy.

12:57

MLB Draft Fan: why do scouts project hunter greene to develop good offspead stuff?

12:58

Eric A Longenhagen: Sure, you could project a future 6 on the slider and, if you’re aggressive because of the arm speed and athleticism, a 6 on the cambio too.

12:58

David: Thanks Eric! You’re awesome and your work is great

12:59

Eric A Longenhagen: (thumbs up)

12:59

Spam: if you wrote up Otani as a prospect what would his FVs be? would you expect him to pitch or play the field?

12:59

Eric A Longenhagen: 70, and as an arm.

1:00

Maverik312: I remember you saying Tellez cheats on fastballs in the past. You’ve just shared a video of him chopping wood (presumably a bad habit for OPS). I am worried that he is going to be worthless at the MLB level. (Yes, I am a dynasty stock holder.) Even if you are leaning 45/50 FV, are there some things you LIKE about him?

1:02

Eric A Longenhagen: For sure. Scouts who have seen him over multiple years said they liked the adjustments he made last year. I think he has decent breaking ball recog, is willing to poke the ball the other way at times and he obviously has huge raw power. He’s a good prospect, just have some concerns about the things you mentioned and any concern about a 1B-only guy is a large one because there’s no room for error. You need to hit, and you need to hit for power.

1:02

Jim: You put a 40 FV on Hunter Harvey. Where did you have him projected before hit with injuries? Was he a known injury risk coming out?

1:03

Eric A Longenhagen: A 50 or 55 independent of injuries. He had a violent delivery in HS but I don’t recall any actual injuries before that off the top of my head, but I’m not 100% on that.

1:03

Kentavious: Does Michael Gettys reach close to his potential or wash out and become a 4th outfielder?

1:04

Eric A Longenhagen: I think the tools are such that he’s more than a 4th OF but there’s a chance the swing and miss dictates he is, I suppose. Drew Stubbs started for a while with a fairly similar skillset/flaw.

1:04

Tommy L: Eric- with Odubel Herrera signed to an extension is there a logical fit for Roman Quinn in Philadelphia. Can either Herrera or Quinn play a corner OF spot ?

1:04

Eric A Longenhagen: Sure but Q has to stay healthy.

1:04

Kentavious: Leody Taveras–please discuss him

1:05

Eric A Longenhagen: Oh man, one of the better bat to ball prospects I’ve seen in the AZL since I moved here. Swing from the left side is much better than from the right for me. 6 runner, future 6 glove in CF and makes a ton of contact. Great prospect, potential stud.

1:05

ctw: what’s your outlook on addison russell’s future? seems like many are optimistic he’s going to continue to grow as a hitter, or do you feel he’s basically at his ceiling with the bat?

1:05

Eric A Longenhagen: I think there’s still more in there.

1:06

Eric A Longenhagen: I’ve seen Russell barely make contact with pitches that graze the opposite field wall.

1:06

Eric A Longenhagen: He’s a freak.

1:06

Anthony: Sandro Fabian’s realistic upside?

1:07

Eric A Longenhagen: Above average everyday RF with great contact skills. Saw him yesterday (he squared up Riley Pint a few times) and he has added some weight so look to see if there’s more pop in there this year.

1:08

Bleh: I’ve read your name as “lopenhagen” for the longest time and only just now realized I was wrong. I’m… sorry

1:09

Eric A Longenhagen: Salright, that’s not the worst it’s been butchered.

1:09

Tony: Think Yadi Alvarez has the raw talent to be a no1 someday?

1:09

Eric A Longenhagen: Hell yes

1:09

Omar: Prospect with the best chance to accomplish 20/20/.300?

1:10

Eric A Longenhagen: Hmmm, Victor Robles? Requires power projection to get to 20 dingers but bat/speed combo is there for the other two. Lewis Brinson probably needs a huge BABIP year for it to happen.

1:10

Adam: It seems like every eyewitness account of Anderson Espinoza starts with “scouting reports say…” and end with “but today he was erratic.” At what point do results have to match the stuff?

1:11

Eric A Longenhagen: At some point they will, but don’t get prospect fatigue just yet, he only turned 19 like a week and a half ago.

1:11

Love baseball: When do minor league spring training games start?

1:11

Eric A Longenhagen: They started a week ago.

1:12

Bert Campaneris: Love your work, Eric. Also, thanks for chatting. I look forward to these chats. I get to know of my org (Royals) prospects and other organizations’ prospects as well. Speaking of the Royals, I know you have them 3 spots apart, and there’s a 5 points differential in their FV, but how close are Khalil Lee and Seulys Matias in your evaluation?

1:12

Eric A Longenhagen: They were pretty close, Lee is much more polished while Seuly is still just a giant ball of talent.

1:12

Adam: Does Reggie Lawson have any sort of promise or is it all potential there?

1:13

Eric A Longenhagen: I’d argue those are synonyms but he was 91-93 with a better delivery than he had last summer when I saw him last week.

1:14

Eric A Longenhagen: I like him. As a rising senior I thought he had a chance to go in the top 15 but a delivery tweak and injury the following spring derailed him. Thought he might get to ASU.

1:14

Charlie: From a scout’s perspective: why do you think guys like Michael Martinez get ABs/Innings over younger guys with at least some potential for upside?

1:14

Eric A Longenhagen: Defensive competence at multiple positions.

1:14

And That: Have you seen any Brewers prospects this spring that have piqued your interest in some way or another?

1:15

Eric A Longenhagen: Have not seen them yet this spring but I think today I shall.

1:16

Eric A Longenhagen:

Brewers Player Dev
@BrewersPD
Lineups for today’s afternoon games at Angels complex and home game vs Langley Blaze.
21 Mar 2017
1:16

Nick: So Brandon McIlwain is transferring again. He has hardly played baseball the last two years but is he still a legitimate first round talent?

1:17

Eric A Longenhagen: Man, when I saw him in HS I thought he was a top 20 pick just on tools. Clearly had very little baseball feel but there were some Delmon Young-ish traits. Natural oppo power, similar body, better athlete.

1:17

Eric A Longenhagen: I hope things work out for the kid.

1:18

Southpaws : Reynaldo Lopez looked amazing yesterday, and I’m not talking about results. I’m talking about a disgusting change to go with his already plus other pitches. If he masters that change what’s the outlook going forward?

1:18

Eric A Longenhagen: Yup, he can be filthy. He’s someone I’d point to as an example of how arm speed/ arm action = changeup projection

1:19

Erik: Are there any knuckleballer prospects?

1:20

Eric A Longenhagen: That’s the last knuckler I’ve seen

1:21

Sandy Kazmir: Why is so much weight given to Arizona Fall League performance? With so many players at less than 100% it’s a good sign to see performance, but lack of performance seems to get punished despite extenuating circumstances. I get that it’s a great way to see many good players at once, but it seems to bear too much weight, currently.

1:21

Eric A Longenhagen: Teams send large staffs here for a reason, but I agree that context is important. And performance isn’t what we’re looking for, it’s tools.

1:22

Jeb: No thanks Eric! You stink and your work is lame

1:22

Eric A Longenhagen: Low energy insult.

1:22

Jeb: Sorry, couldn’t resist

1:22

Eric A Longenhagen: Haha, neither could I.

1:22

strobro: any chance on catching grapefruit minors? Any word on Rogers or other Astro up and comers?

1:23

Eric A Longenhagen: I’m enamored with Rogers’ glove. Also a huge Gilberto Celestino fan.

1:23

Sterling Mallory Chris Archer: Why didn’t you rank Sixto Sanchez 6th in the Phillies list?

1:24

Eric A Longenhagen: I know, I was bummed about it too. But what I heard was too good not to bump him up. An agent showed me video of him this spring and that fastball is nasty. Late ride to it.

1:25

Dr. Met: A 45 FV was placed on Koda Glover just a few weeks ago in your Nats writeup, has his performance since changed your view at all or is the spring sample too small and irrelevant?

1:25

Eric A Longenhagen: That’s a setup/closer type grade. Most relievers are 40s, maybe a few dozen are more than that.

1:25

The Toe: Is Jeimer Candelario the Rodney Dangerfield of prospects?

1:26

Eric A Longenhagen: More Birbigliaish

1:26

Philip: Osvaldo Hernandez thoughts? 45 FV?

1:26

Eric A Longenhagen: Gotta go see him yet, sorry guys.

1:27

The Toe: What happened to Bubba Starling. He was supposed to be Mike Trout before Mike Trout.

1:27

Eric A Longenhagen: Just couldn’t find comfort in the box. Has undergone several tweaks and nothing has taken.

1:28

Robin: How much will spring training and being able to see the guys more recently affect your FV rankings? Will a team in the AL West be better/more accurately represented than a team from a division you did earlier?

1:28

Eric A Longenhagen: Some and yes. Which is part of why I’ve left to be last.

1:28

Q-Ball: Is Arizona the best place in the country to see lots of prospects? What would be #2…Florida?

1:30

Eric A Longenhagen: It is at this time of year (I don’t have enough time to do everything I could here) but once ST is over we only have extended and decent amateur stuff. Florida is probably better once the season starts because you’ve got FSL stuff and extended.

1:30

Eric A Longenhagen: And draft stuff. Amateur talent in FL is better than here.

1:30

Eric A Longenhagen: North Carolina is also on the short list of places I’d like to live to watch baseball. Eastern PA is underrated. Lots of affiliates/leagues within driving distance of, say, Allentown/Bethlehem.

1:32

First Man on the Sun: Are there any prospects with plus dreadlocks? Asking for a friend…

1:32

Eric A Longenhagen: Prospects with dreads are pretty rare. Not long ones, anyway. I think Ronny Brito has shorter ones? Might be him.

1:33

Nick: Which late-blooming, hard-throwing RP do you prefer…Thyago Vieira or Ariel Hernandez? Closer potential for either?

1:33

Eric A Longenhagen: Tough one. I think Hernandez has better secondary stuff, so I’ll go with him.

1:35

Eric A Longenhagen: OKay everyone, that’s going to do it for me. Have a good week and enjoy all of this baseball we’re getting.





Eric Longenhagen is from Catasauqua, PA and currently lives in Tempe, AZ. He spent four years working for the Phillies Triple-A affiliate, two with Baseball Info Solutions and two contributing to prospect coverage at ESPN.com. Previous work can also be found at Sports On Earth, CrashburnAlley and Prospect Insider.

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whiptydojoemember
7 years ago

Best Chance of Getting Your Question Answered:
1.) Eno
2.) FanGraphs After Dark
3.) Paul
4.) Szym
5.) Travis….quickly moving up the charts
6.) Jeff

Honorable Mentions:

7.) Dave
8.) Eric

Brians Sticky Sock
7 years ago
Reply to  whiptydojoe

I’ve had questions answered by them all. The key is to not be rude, not send in the same question 20 times, have a question that will interest the chatter, and mostly, realize that even a good questions only gets answered 25% of the time because so many are submitted. Another way of saying make sure you have some self awareness.

whiptydojoemember
7 years ago

Awesome, I’ve done all of that, and still yet to get a question answered by Eric — I think I’m batting 0fer 60 now. I’ve never once asked the same chatter the same question. In addition to questions, I’ve thanked them all for different articles and insights. (Eric’s Prospect coverage is phenomenaI BTW, just his Chats for getting my questions answered suck.)

Meanwhile, I can 3-4 questions answered per week from Eno, After Dark, and Szym. Travis is pretty good too. Fridays are usually busy for me, but I bet I get a question through once every 6 or 7 questions with Jeff.

I think Dave has answered two, ever, and both responses were smug. No thanks. This is out of the maybe 100 I’ve asked — spread out over many chats.