Marc Hulet Prospects Chat – 8/2/13

: We’ll get started in about 15 minutes… get your questions in!

Comment From leaping hurdles
Has Andrew Lambo slugged himself into the conversation as decent prospect again?

: Not really… he’s still somewhat young so he could perhaps provide some left-handed pop off the bench but he has little to no defensive value and some pretty big holes in his swing.

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Is Sonny Gray destined to be a reliever?

: That was the concern early in his career and when he was in college but he’s made enough adjustments to suggest he could be an impact starter — as long as he can keep a good downward plane on his fastball.

Comment From Andrew
What do you make of the Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks? Ceiling and floor?

: Ceiling is 4/5 starter, floor would be long or middle reliever.

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
What do you make of the Sano attitude problems? Is this a long term concern, or just him being a 20 yr old?

: Probably just a 20 year old being a 20 year old… they’re all going to have growing pains.

Comment From Addison Russell
i’m 320 / 395 / 592 since the break – think i’ll spend the rest of the yr at stockton?

: I would keep him there and maybe move him up for two or three weeks at the end of the year but allow him to play in the playoffs if either club is eligible — post season experience is good.

Comment From CJ
Lots of Red Sox fans complaining that they traded away Iglesias. But how valuable is he really? I imagine there are a fair amount of good glove and no-hit SS hanging around in minors, right?

: There really should be no complaints. They didn’t give up much at all the get Peavy. They also sold very high on Iglesias who is never going to sustain that kind of hitting. As well, Boston has some good depth — led by the best shortstop prospect in baseball Xander Bogaerts. Boston couldn’t have pulled off a smarter trade and better use of assets.

Comment From Manny
Rossell Herrera or JP Crawford?

: Crawford — not really close.

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Is Kevin Gausman hurt or is there any good reason for his AAA struggles?

: He’s young. Even the most talented prospects will hit speed bumps.

Comment From Anonymous Coward
Rank these fine gentlemen: Wheeler, Syndergaard, Montero

: In that order.

Comment From Bill
Have you seen Keyvius Sampson? If so, any thoughts/projections on him?

: I have, but not this season. I used to think he had No. 3 potential but now I’ll wait and comment once I’ve seen him… He might end up as a reliever.

Comment From That one guy
Rosell Herrera just finished one hell of a July .391/.451/.598 and his overall .362/.441/.566 is pretty excellent for a guy with some speed. Any chance he sticks at SS?

: Herrera is a tough guy to rate. He has skills, for sure, and is still young but he’s repeating a level this year. If he continues to show these skills into 2014 then we need to start getting really excited. He’ll eventually move off SS…

Comment From Pipp
Thoughts on Ty Blach of the Giants?

: He’s an intriguing guy and someone I’ll be keeping an eye on this fall when I start compiling Top 15 prospects lists.

Comment From Kevin
Free Xander! Honestly though, think he gets time at 3B in the majors, think it happens soon? If he does end up at 3B for now, is the long term plan still to keep him at SS?

: If the front office has good reports on his play at 3B then I could see him there in September… and, if healthy, they’re going to want to have Drew at SS.

Comment From Garth Vader
Seen a few Top 100’s with Royals on them. Zimmer, Mondesi, Ventura. Think Bonifacio could sneak in the 90-100? Bubba drop off completely?

: Those 3 Royals are probably safe for a Top 100 list. Bonifacio also has a shot but Starling isn’t very likely to be on there.

Comment From Muggi
How far can Maikel Franco really make it subscribing to the Dmitri Young School of Swing at Everything? Eventually his superior hand-eye coord isn’t going to be able to bail him out, right?

: He deserves a chance to make adjustments, right? I know Keith Law gave a very negative report on Franco but I’m going to watch him soon and judge for myself.

Comment From Kevin
Oscar Taveras play in the majors this year? Before Sepetemer? And if so, what’s your projection?

: That ankle injury is really nagging. It might be in their best interests to aim for the AFL instead.

Comment From Bruce
Is Carlos Rodon as such a top prospect that the Astros or White sox might try to lose on purpose to ensure the top pick? It obviously happens in other sports, we cant assume baseball is the only sport where theres no tanking

: The Astros may have the top pick all sewn up at this point. The club isn’t going to win many games between now and the end of the year — but you have to admire their heart on the field. They don’t have a lot of stinker games, which is more than can be said for a club like Toronto that you can see quit on the diamond. Houston won’t lose on purpose.

Comment From Marjinwalker
Who do like better as the catcher of the future for the Astros– Castro, Stassi, or Heineman? Can Stassi’s bat play anywhere else besides catcher?

: I’m still in the Jason Castro camp, although he could become an intriguing tradable commodity in a year or two — so it depends how quickly Houston becomes competitive. Of the catchers in the system, Stassi may have the best shot at being a starter, although I’m not sold on him. Carlos Perez and Tyler Heineman could be decent backups.

Comment From Nick
Robbie Erlin in the SD rotation next year?

: Possibly. More of a No. 4/5 guy for me so it depends how many guys they have that are better than that. He’s not really a guy to get too excited about — he’ll have a decent but unspectacular big league career.

Comment From Marjinwalker
Thoughts on Roger Kieschnick? A solid regular going forward?

: He’s probably not a regular, and he’s not a good fourth outfielder because he’s not a center-fielder. He’s an up-and-down big leaguer and possible fifth bat off the bench.

Comment From Jeff
Does Guerrieri’s injury and surgery affect his ceiling and/or probability, or just his timetable?

: It does affect his probability and his timetable but I wouldn’t say it affects his ceiling — it might but we need to see how he bounces back first…. kind of like with John Lamb.

Comment From zack
How would you compare JOse Fernandez’s performance this year relative to your expectations before the season?

: He got awesome a lot more quickly than I expected. I didn’t expect to see THIS Fernandez until 2015.

Comment From Eminor3rd
Avisail Garcia?

: Who is a decent big league regular outfielder, but not a star…

Comment From leaping hurdles
In your opinion, does Taillon end up as a better MLB starter than Cole?

: The million dollar question. He certainly has a chance to be better but he still has adjustments to make to become a star. I’m leaning Cole right now. He’s been very good as more of a pitch-to-contact guy and he has more in the tank to be a strikeout pitcher if he really wanted to be one.

Comment From Jeff
How big is the gap between the top-top prospects (Buxton and Taveras) and the merely top prospects (e.g., Bogaerts)?

: Not huge. There is a gradual decline through the Top 10-15 guys and then it starts to drop off more noticeably.

Comment From Phrustrated Phan
Is Maikel Franco the real deal?

: The power is for real but he’s probably not going to hit for average… I like to comp him to a young Edwin Encarnacion.

Comment From Jeff
Where would you rank Carlos Rodon if he were eligible for your top 50?

: I’d want to see how his stuff plays against pros and once he’s pitching every five days before I really get into that time of projection. But he does have the talent to be a Top 15 guy right now.

Comment From Marjinwalker
If you were the O’s, what would you do with Schoop?

: Give him another year in the minors and let him dictate his future. There is no need to rush him with Hardy and Machado.

Comment From Anthony
Does Marcus Semien project as an everday player (somewhere in the infield) or will he just end up as a utility player? His A and AA numbers have been getting better and better and is an atypical white sox prospect since he actually shows great ability to get on base.

: His value is definitely on the rise but I want to see him sustain this kind of improvement into next year before I fully abandon the future utility projection. He has a better shot than ever at developing into a starter, though.

Comment From Brandon
Hi Marc! I have both Machado and Bogaerts in a keeper league. What are the odds that, long-term, they don’t both end up at the same position (SS or 3B)?

: It all depends on what their clubs do with the veterans around them but I could see Bogaerts going from SS to 3B, and Machado going from 3B to SS and there might be some overlap.

Comment From leaping hurdles
are there any good outlets to find out about DSL prospects or other international players before they’re signed?

: Ben Badler at Baseball America is worth the subscription price all on his own and they have some very talented writers there.

Comment From Kevin
How scared are you of Jonathen Singleton’s K Rates?

: It’s worrisome but the layoff may have played a part in that — plus I think he’s pressing a little bit right now to prove all the doubters wrong and he also knows how close he is to reaching the majors. He just needs to stay within himself and his game, and I think he’ll be fine.

Comment From zack
Who do you like longterm: Cole or Wheeler?

: Probably Cole — I think he has a little higher ceiling.

Comment From ALE
You still had Trevor Bauer in your top 50 mid-season prospects, what is that based on? Stuff, talent level, age? He has looked awful this season.

: His issues are mostly in his head, though, and not really related to a drop off in skill or stuff. He’s on a very narrow ledge, though, and I tend to give the benefit of the doubt to prospects who have been highly ranked in the past rather than drop them early in favor of the latest over-hyped guy.

Comment From Fo.star
Has Marcus Stroman surpassed Aaron Sanchez as top Blue Jays prospect pitcher?

: No, but it’s getting closer. I’m still not sold on Stroman being a starter long term, and we’ll really have to watch how susceptible he becomes to the long ball as he reaches Triple-A and the Majors. Because he’s short, he’s going to struggle to stay on top of the ball and get a good downward plane on his pitches.

Comment From Andrew
Word is that Javier Baez is crushing fastballs in AA but having real trouble with better breaking balls. Is this concerning at age 20, or part of the normal growth process?

: It’s part of the normal growth process but I think he’s been pushed maybe a little too aggressively. I would have left him in High-A for the duration of the season.

Comment From leaping hurdles
with reese mcguire in the system, does mathisen stay at catcher or do they allow him to use his athleticism elsewhere? Which would be the better move?

: Maximize the prospects’ value by keeping them both behind the plate for now and make one of them play themselves off the position.

Comment From Bruce
if Everything works out(just pretend), what would be the best positions for Alcantara, Baez, Castro, Olt, Bryant

: That’s tough to answer because for it to all work out it means they’re all playing good defense… I would do this: Olt at 3B, Castro at SS, Alcantara at 2B and Bryant at 1B and Baez in RF….

: Really, though, I’d prefer Bryant in RF and Castro on another team.

Comment From Jason
Springfield starters Petrick, Blair, and Cooney. What do the Cardinals have with these three? Anything interesting?

: Petrick could maybe be a backend starter… The other two are probably relievers.

Comment From Lukas
Where do you think the Mets farm ranks right now?

: It rates favorably. Possibly in the Top 10 but not the Top 5.

Comment From leaping hurdles
Does Alen Hansen’s bat make up for his very average defense at SS?

: More likely he moves over to 2B.

Comment From zack
If a team other than the Marlins had made that trade with Toronto would people have given them as much crap? I think the trade was much better for Miami than people have been saying

: Sure the trade looks OK now because Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio and others have sucked. But people said even at the time that Miami got some good prospects/young players…

Comment From Rear Naked Choke
Where would Ozuna rank if he were still eligible for the top 100?

: Maybe the 20-30 range.

Comment From JN
With the guys the Cubs added at the deadline, do they have the top farm system in baseball now?

: I haven’t ranked them all recently but they’re probably in the Top 3.

Comment From Marjinwalker
Zach Borenstein– best Angel’s prospect? Or is that still Lindsey? (Not Cron, I hope…)

: No, it’s not Borenstein… It might be their first pick from the 2013 draft.

Comment From Fo.star
What are your thoughts on Junior Lake?

: Perennial tease.

Comment From Drew
Marc, When is Tommy Medica going to get some respect as a prospect. The kid is one of the best hitters in AA, and only old for the league due to injuries, not ability. Do you think the Padres might be open to a 1B fight between Alonso and Medica for 2013. Alonso seems very pedestrian, and not really improving at the plate.

: He’s not really an impact prospect. He’s old for the league, plays in a good offensive league, has posted high BABIPs and has a high K rate.

Comment From Cesar
Tell me about Tim Cooney and James Ramsey of the Cardinals. Both have excellent numbers, but what does their scouting profiles look like?

: Ramsey may end up being a fourth outfielder but the power has been a surprise. He needs to make more contact.

Comment From Eddstone
Whats the ceiling for SP Neal Ramirez either for the Cubs or Rangers?

: He might end up as an eighth inning guy.

Comment From Rear Naked Choke
Which guys in SS and Rookie ball have impressed you the most?

: Well, Bryant was good in SS ball. There are a ton of impressive raw guys in Rookie ball…. The Yankees have some at the shortstop position that are turning heads.

Comment From GSon
The prospects sent to the CWSox in the Peavy deal.. worth more than a casual yawn, of did Hahn uncover a treasure trove of future riches?

: Francellis Montas

Comment From Cool Lester Smooth
Got anything on Abi Avelino or Thairo Estrada?

: Very raw but very impressive shortstop prospects. I personally prefer Avelino.

Comment From Bart
Your thoughts on Ethan Martin, Phillies pitcher making his debut tonight.

: FB command will be key. Big arm but big control issues. Could get ugly.

Comment From Fo.star
Oswaldo Arcia has a 182 wRC+ at AAA as a 21/22 year old. Does this mean anything?

: He’s ready for the majors in my opinion.

Comment From JN
Will we see Mike Olt in Chicago this year?

: Not if he keeps hitting under .200.

Comment From Andrew
Does Jorge Alfaro project as the Ranger’s catcher of the future?

: Depends on the defense. If he can stick back there then he has a good shot. I like the bat.

: One second… sorry…

Comment From CJ
Thoughts on Alex Wood as a starter. Some scouts seem to think he is destined to be a reliever but I think he could be a #3 starter.

: Not with that delivery. He’s a reliever 100%.

Comment From Spencer
Is Syndergaard part of the Mets rotation by Opening Day of 2014?

: Maybe by mid-2014

Comment From Tkay
Any word on how Lucas Giolito has looked since coming back from Tommy John?

: So far so good.

Comment From Marjinwalker
Yankee’a prospects– JR Murphy, Heathcott, and Greg Bird: any chance at any of these guys being more than a role player?

: All three have a chance to become more but they’re long shots. I like Murphy more than most.

Comment From zack
Can Joe Kelly be a longterm starter or is he more of a swingman, especially with all the arms the Cards have?

: He could be a decent starter for a little while but he’s probably best suited to relief work.

Comment From Dan
Meadows and McGuire have both started hot for the Pirates in rookie ball. Change of opinion on either of them since the draft?

: They both have as much potential now as they did then — a month or two isn’t going to change anything.

Comment From CJ
Jayson Parks at Baseball Prospectus and Keith Law are really high on young Lucas Sims. What are your thoughts on him.

: He was a fringe Top 50 guy. Solid potential with a 2/3 ceiling.

Comment From Marjinwalker
Rank these second base prospects– Wong, Alcantara, Schoop, Odor. Thanks!

: Odor, Schoop, Alcantara, Wong

Comment From BassmanUW
Who is the Cubs’ top pitching prospect? I’d presume at this point it has to be either Pierce Johnson or CJ Edwards. Is it pretty much a pick ’em between the two?

: I currently have it ranked Johnson then Edwards.

Comment From kramer
thoughts on eloy jimenez? how excited should cubs’ fans be?

: Huge lottery ticket, but yeah, be excited. New high-ceiling talent is always cool.

Comment From Carter
Ranaudo’s lost some luster, Barnes is on the upswing…who’s the safer bet for future Red Sox #3/4 starter?

: Barnes.

Comment From Chaichua
After the trade, do you think Astros has the best the farm system in the baseball? Or the Cubs?

: I think I prefer the Cubs top 4 prospects to the Astros top 4 guys, but Houston has better depth. Too close to call right now.

Comment From TwinsFan
Thoughts on Adam Walker?

: Overrated by hopeful Twins fans.

Comment From DNA
The Astros on-field personnel certainly aren’t losing on purpose, but the front office may well be. This way they can bask in the praise they’ll get in three years for having the best farm system in baseball (no credit given to being the first team ever to have 3 consecutive number 1 picks, 2 of which in the new CBA that gives even more importance to high picks with the cap)

: If you know you’re going to lose, you might as well strip it to the ground. No reason to go half way… If they get some great players in the process, it’s really no different than what happened in Washington and Tampa Bay…

Comment From Fo.star
Who would you rather have: Foltynewicz or Heaney?

: Folty – more upside

Comment From David
Is Ryan Jackson a better defender at SS than Kozma?

: Yes, I think so. I prefer his bat a little bit too but neither shortstop is a great hitter.

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Which top prospects do you expect will be in this years Arizona Fall League?

: Maybe Oscar Taveras.

Comment From Alex Anthopoulos
With his recent performances, do I keep Marcus Stroman as a starter or move him to the pen?

: Keep him as a starter until he fails (or gets hurt).

Comment From SgtJunior
What’s with Webster? Top prospect who got beat up at the big club. Struck out 12 in his last start going 6 but took the loss. Is he destined to the bullpen?

: Young pitchers with big stuff are typically inconsistent… nothing new

Comment From zack
how much money would the marlins have to give stanton to convince to sign an extension?

: Probably more than they’d be willing to give.

Comment From Thomas
Does Henry Owens hit the majors as a 2014 September call-up?

: That’s the absolutely earliest I could see him in the majors.

Comment From Zach
Do you think Mike Olt and Avisail Garcia were the two best prospects to get moved at the deadline, in that order? Who do you think were the other most interesting prospects to get moved, if any?

: Yeah, they probably were. Josh Hader and Danry Vasquez are the two most intriguing for me.

Comment From GSon
Danny Salazar was requested in trade for Javier Lopez.. is this really what Salazar is worth?

: There is a reason why Salazar is not in San Francisco right now.

Comment From Andrew
So Chris Archer is all of a sudden unhittable again like he was at AA Tennessee that one year.

: It’s all about the FB command

Comment From Gary
Gausman, Wacha, Zimmer, Stroman from the ’12 draft. Which righty ends up with a better career?

: Zimmer.

Comment From Andrew
Thoughts on reports that the Orioles were willing to move Dylan Bundy?

: Don’t buy it

Comment From John
Any thoughts on Dwight Smith Jr? He’s hardly setting the world on fire, but I’ve always liked him.

: Solid first full season but still a long way from being a can’t miss guy.

Comment From Stephen A
What is Robert Stephensons ceiling??

: No. 1/2 starter

Comment From Zach
Has there been any 2013 draftee who has seen his stock significantly rise or fall?

: No one is going to adjust a 2013 draft pick’s value this quickly.

Comment From Andrew
Does Wacha make it back up to St. Louis again this season?

: Kinds depends on need. I think he could certainly help.

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Re: Previous chat when I commented on liking you slower pace: While slower, you appear to put much more thought and effort into your answers than other Chatters, which is appreciated.

: I appreciate that… I also have two small children crawling around me which takes some of my attention away from time to time.

Comment From Greg
Is Baez really this much of a true 3 outcome guy or is it more a case of an underager still adjusting to a new level?

: I don’t think he’s that type of player… he just needs time to develop and right now, those are his areas of strength. Once he makes the necessary adjustments — and I think he will — he’ll become a more well rounded player.

Comment From zack
Would it make more sense to do a prospect ranking by tiers?

: What tiers?

Comment From Ian
Where does max fried come in on your top 100? Does he have a better career than high school teammate lucas giolito?

: Well, I ranked him 45th on the mid-season Top 50 prospects list…

Comment From Nate
Thoughts on Indians Clint Frazier? Is he an elite prospect? Or too early to tell?

: I’m really warming up to him.

Comment From Will
Where would Mookie Betts factor in your ranking of second base prospects?

: He’s an intriguing guy… I would probably rank him among the Top 10 2B prospects in baseball but that’s just off the top of my head

Comment From CTuck
Assuming MIN is no. 1, which club boasts the second most improved farm system this season?

: Chicago has added a lot of high ceiling international guys plus Bryant was a huge get.

Comment From Mike Scott
Early impressions on Jarred Cosart’s first three major league starts? Do you still think he’s a future bullpen arm?

: He’s command the FB better in the majors then he did in the minors. That has been a pleasant surprise.

Comment From John
I would think the Twins and Bucs have something to say about #1 system, no?

: Yes, they do.

Comment From Brandon
After Castellanos and Rondon, do the Tigers have any high-upside prospects that pique your interest at the moment?

: They have a guy named Danry Vas— uh, wait, nope.

Comment From Guest
Red Sox farm system top 5 with the strong years their guys are having?

: More Top 6-10

Comment From CTuck
Thoughts on the cards Alex Reyes?

: I’m getting excited.

Comment From Johnny Two Times
Top 4 systems: Cubs/Astros/Twins/Red Sox in no particular order?

: Pirates need to be in there.

Comment From Dr. Met
Does Springer get added to roster in Sept for a cup of coffee or does he stay put all year in the minors? Huge numbers but huge contact issues no?

: I’d keep him in the minors and consider the AFL if you really want him to get some extra work.

Comment From Jay
Crick or R. Stephenson? ETA for both?

: Stephenson, but I like both arms.

Comment From John Stamos
Edwin Escobar or Clayton Blackburn?

: Probably still Blackburn for now but Escobar has a higher ceiling (more risk)

Comment From The other Kyle
Your comment on Garcia — “decent big league regular outfielder, but not a star” — sounds a lot like another former Tiger, Matt Joyce…obviously not perfect in terms of skillset, but good comp otherwise?

: I suppose that’s not terrible but I like Garcia better than I liked Joyce as a prospect

Comment From Jay
The O’s just gave up Josh Hader. Will they be sorry?

: Too soon to know but definitely a nice arm… At least they held onto Bundy, Gausman and Rodriguez, so they did OK

Comment From Jay
Is Danny Salazar a mid rotation guy or better?

: Ceiling is probably a No. 3 guy — could end up as a reliever.

Comment From 1101100010110110100010101110000101010101011010101010110101
Was/is Stephen bruno legit with a 150+ wRc+?

: No he’s not. I’ve seen him play and he’s not terrible but bench role would be the ceiling.

Comment From Guest
Dave said he would take Bogaerts over Buxton – reasonable take to have?

: Bogaerts is closer to MLB ready and is a little safe of a pick and the drop off in talent is not huge so I can see his side.

Comment From Preston
Avisail Garcia or Jose Iglesias?

: Iglesias – plus defense at a key position

Comment From RJ
Stanton for Bundy/Gausman–who says no first?

: Miami.

Comment From Patrick
Jackie Bradley still seems…troubled by inside heat. Is he a legitimate OF starter by Opening Day 2014.

: Very good defensive outfielder with the chance for average or better offense.

Comment From Preston
Chances Austine Romine ever hits enough to be a starting catcher?

: Probably not, but he could be a solid platoon.

Comment From clem
Is Tyler Glasnow pushing Taillon for top sp in the pirates system with cole graduated?

: Not yet, no, but the arm is intriguing.

Comment From Dr. Met
Re: children, how do you project them going forward? 🙂

: My daughter is a power arm from the left side with good athleticism but control issues. If my son keeps packing the food away he could develop into a bat-first slugger.

Comment From Mike Maddux
Folty considered to have 1/2 ceiling yet?

: He needs more consistent secondary stuff to get that projection.

Comment From concave77
Thoughts on Eduardo Rodriguez?

: Really like him. Baltimore was smart to hold onto him during the Norris deal.

Comment From Dr. Met
Love Marisnick’s raw ability but have you seen anything so far that alters your projection of him? Free swinger but has all the tools and athleticism to put up power/speed/defensive numbers

: Not really… plus defender with speed but also with a fringe bat.

Comment From Geoff
Most likely to reach upside? Mondesi, Seager, or Russell

: Gut says Seager.

Comment From Boom Shakalaka
How soon do you start to call a first round pick like Nimmo or Gavin Cecchini a bust?

: 2014 will be big for Nimmo while Cecchini has a little more rope.

Comment From Guest
Which farm system has taken the biggest fall in the last year?

: Toronto comes to mind… St. Louis too but that’s mostly because they graduated so many guys.

Comment From Kerry Ligtenberg
Julio Teheran has really impressed this year. Think he’s turned the corner?

: I wrote in the Braves Top 15 list prior to this year, as well as in a piece during the spring that I thought he had based on what people told me in the offseason.

Comment From Jim
If Zunino is out for the season, will he show up on prospect lists this summer? He’s under 130 AB’s and 45 days of service.

: Not this summer. List season is over, but definitely in the fall/winter.

Comment From That one guy
Eddie Butler seems likely headed to AA, what is his ceiling?

: Pie in the sky would be a 2/3

Comment From Matt
Dodgers system top 10?

: No, depth is not there at all

Comment From JB
Is Eloy Jimenez a top 100 prospect?

: No, I won’t ranked any 2013 international signees on a Top 100… would be tough to crack the Top 15s.

Comment From bucket o turds
who’s the bigger douche cameron or warne?

: FanGraphs writers are the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.

Comment From Garth Vader
As a Royals fan, I feel sorry for Guerieri getting the John Lamb comp.

: It wasn’t a comp… I was more comparing the situation and saying you have to see a guy come back first to know if his value is going to be affected.

Comment From Guest
Is there a higher top prospect bust rate for pitchers or hitters, would you say?

: Pitchers. They get hurt a lot more often and those injuries tend to diminish their tools/skills more than with hitters…

Comment From Jesse
Is it reasonable to say that the Cardinals more out of player development than other clubs or are they just really good at drafting. Or both.

: The Cards get more out of fringe arms than any other club I can think of. They have an excellent developmental staff.

Comment From Guest
Was Hader or Delmonico the better O

: I preferred Hader at the time of the trades. Delmonico’s lack of defensive consistency hurts.

Comment From Guest
Are there any exciting outfield prospects in the Baltimore system? I’ve given up on Xavier Avery.

: No there really isn’t

Comment From Jimr
Will Villar stick with the big club?

: I’m not on the bandwagon but he could be the best option they have right now

Comment From Mike
Heredia’s stock falling or just a rough patch?

: A little of both

Comment From JB
Do you think Vogelbach will reach the majors someday?

: I do

Comment From JB
Any cubs catchers in the low minors that we should get excited about?

: I had a scout tell me in that Justin Marra can really hit but, well, he hasn’t.

Comment From Zach
Harold Ramirez–The next breakout Latin American product in Pirates system?

: He should definitely be on the watch list.

: OK guys, sorry for the minor delays today… lots of questions unanswered and I’m sorry for that… but I have to go. As always, hit me up on Twitter @marchulet… thanks for hanging out.