Marc Hulet Prospects Chat – 8/30/2013

: Happy Friday… We’ll get started in about 15 minutes so get your prospect and general baseball questions in now!

Comment From greg
carson cistulli, drop or keep?

: Keeper all the way. He’s the life of every party…

Comment From LarryA
If all goes great, when could we see Glasnow in the Majors, mid-2015?

: That sounds about right, assuming he stays healthy and continues on the same development path.

Comment From Tripp
Do you see Jonathan Schoop ever becoming an impact player for the O’s?

: I do. I think he just needs a fully healthy season… I don’t think he’ll be in the same class as Machado, though.

Comment From Dave
Which rookie ball (GCL, AZL, Pioneer, VSL, DSL, etc.) prospects do you think are going to break out next year?

: Yikes. That’s a pretty wide list… I’d have to ask you to wait and read this season’s Top Prospects lists for some of the good names to keep an eye on… Those players are the toughest to get reads on and I often need to touch base with a lot of front office guys and scouts to get more informed on them.

Comment From LarryA
What odds would you put on Javier Baez becoming a very good (4+ WAR) player, over/under 50%?

: It probably comes down to his defense… to see if it drags him down a lot. I think he’ll be a threat to hit 30+ homers in the Majors. The plate discipline needs to improve as well so that he hits for a better average. He’ll definitely have some 4+ WAR seasons.

: Sorry for the delay… had to put Wizard of Oz on for my daughter…

Comment From jon
Kris Bryant has looked very good so far at Class A and A+, but he is old for the level. What is your opinion of him for the next few years?

: He’s not really old for the FSL but I think he’ll open 2014 in AA. i’m very excited about his potential… I would have taken him first overall in the draft.

Comment From Bruce
Is Henry Owens more than a number 3, or is his control still too much of an issue?

: It’s still an issue but he has all the ingredients necessary to become a No. 2… He just needs to put it all together and it often takes tall, lanky guys longer to find a comfortable, repeatable delivery.

Comment From Bruce
How would you comapre these 2 young G’s: Giolito vs Glasnow

: They’re both tall right-handers but Glasnow is a little bit more advanced with a better repertoire in general and Giolito is a little stronger. Both very exciting pitchers.

Comment From 2ndHS
Needle in a haystack, but any guesses as to the PTBNL from the Cardinals in the Axford deal?

: I’m going to guess a pitcher… One of the guys they’ve turned into a decent prospect even with modest stuff — it’s amazing how good the Cards development staff is at getting the most out of their pitching.

: Someone like a Tim Cooney, or maybe a flyer on an arm like Seth Blair to stick in the pen and hope for the best

Comment From JBizzy
So if Buxton has a good fall & Spring, does he make it up next year? Should he?

: He’s good but that’s too fast…

Comment From DNA
Please tell me the Brewers have some obscure prospect also named John Axford and the Cardinals didn’t just trade for a washed up bag of bones.

: He still throws hard and the slider shows potential at times so maybe they can help him figure something out… again, good coaching in that org.

Comment From El Ashaban
He was super young for AAA but is Nick Castellanos’ year considered a disappointment?

: No, he’s also been asked to play an unfamiliar position this year and, as you mentioned, he’s still young.

Comment From CJ
Ceiling for Franklin Barreto?

: He’s probably not a shortstop but I think he can be very good with the bat. An above-average regular, still too soon to determine just how high the ceiling could go.

Comment From El Ashaban
Who has the most upside? Crick, Heaney, Stephenson, Sanchez, McCullers, Luke Jackson?

: Stephenson, Crick, Sanchez, Heaney, McCullers, Jackson… in that order. Tempted to flip Heaney and McCullers…..

Comment From hooha
What do you think about the prospects the Pirates sent to the Mets in the Byrd/Buck trade?

: I really like what the Mets got. A very solid second base prospect with upside, and a hard-throwing reliever with major command/delivery issues. If they can help him figure out some consistency, Black could be a nice get — but he’s also a massive risk. It was a great trade for both orgs.

Comment From Bruce
Should we trust that the Cardinals know what they are doing in jerking Carlos Martinez and Wacha around so much between starting/relif, majors, minors, etc. And in a dogfight for a playoff spot, should they have one of those 2 starting over Kelly, Lyons, etc?

: I have faith in the club… it’s very well run by some smart people. With that said, I personally don’t like to see pitchers flip roles so much and I’ve seen a number of guys wear out their elbows being asked to do that.

Comment From mike wants wins
could it really hurt for Hicks to give up switch hitting for a month or so to see if it works? He was historically bad this year….

: He was pretty bad from both sides, though, right? I wouldn’t give up just yet.

Comment From Ace
How do you think the Cub’s will handle their surplus of talent at third base? Will Baez shift to third? Will Bryant shift to the outfield?

: It’s a great problem to have. I say let the prospects fight it out and when the dust settles, move the others — luckily they have a bunch of athletic guys that can move to other positions than just first base…

Comment From Hoozer
Can Cosart continue his success into next year with all of the walks?

: If you want to look at the glass half full than I would point to the fact that he’s learned to battle, never given up and has shown the ability to succeed without his best stuff/command. I think he’ll figure it out… it will just take some time. But he’ll probably never have plus command/control.

Comment From Mantis Toboggan
In a very deep dynasty league that values pitching highly, I recently picked up Brian Flynn and Jesse Hahn. What are your thoughts on these two prospects?

: They’re two interesting in-the-weeds guys. Not super high on either but they could be decent No. 4 starters.

Comment From Ace
Will Christian Arroyo develop into a major league shortstop?

: The Giants first rounder has had a great season with the bat in the rookie league… I haven’t got any reports yet on his defense, though. He’s a ways away from helping.

Comment From DrBGiantsfan
How much trouble is Chris Stratton in as a prospect? He started at a very low level for a first round draft pick from a major D1 college program and has put up mediocre numbers.

: His numbers haven’t been terrible and SF knows how to develop pitching. I also know they don’t read too much into first year numbers…

Comment From Brian
I’ve heard of a couple instances of prospects taking advice from coaches who, generally speaking, are employed by the prospect’s agent – the idea being that the org’s coaches don’t always know what’s best for a player’s development, or that what the organization’s staff is teaching isn’t working. Is this a common practice? How do orgs feel about it? It would be easy to see why it might miff them, but at the end of the day, if the player is developing and having success, how much should the org care where he learned what he did?

: Too many cooks in the kitchen can be a dangerous thing. When you enter into pro ball, in my opinion, and sign a pro contract you should more or less allow yourself to be coached by that club. That’s who’s signing your paycheck.

Comment From JBizzy
M’s making a mistake by bring up Walker? I know it’s a start against the ‘stros, but is it worth starting his clock early?

: It’s not going to get started too early at this late point in the season. I think it’s a good move to get him some experience — and join a lot of the young talent that’s been brought up this year. The M’s potentially have a very strong, young nucleus.

Comment From OremLK
Springer’s strikeout rate keeps dropping, it’s now below 25% at AAA. Can he eventually hit for a high average in the majors?

: He’s making adjustments, which is great to see. I still don’t think he’s going to be a huge average guy but he won’t embarrass himself. We’re not talking about Adam Dunn…

Comment From Leighton
Who is your favorite prospect in all of baseball? Not necessarily the best, just the one you like the most.

: I don’t know if there is one… definitely not one off the top of my head. I tend to root for the guys who become future utility players and bullpen guys at the big league level. I’ve always been like that even back when I collected baseball cards as a kid.

Comment From Guest
How does this keeper trade sound? A gets Andrus, Eaton, Bogaerts, and d’Arnaud. B gets Harper, Colon, and Mujica and sheds $10.

: Harper is a beast… but Bogaerts could be very good and d’Arnaud has potential if he stays healthy. I’d rather have Harper.

Comment From Ace
Is Francisco Lindor a future hall of famer?

: That’s really hard to say.

Comment From Wobatus
Mookie Betts in your top 100? He wasn’t in the mid-saeson 50 but I’d imagine he’s close.

: I don’t know if he’s Top 100 material, but he’ll definitely be on the Sox Top 10-15 prospects… I really had high hopes for him in 2013 so I’m glad he’s broken out.

Comment From Eminor3rd
Biggest prospect riser in the White Sox season so far? Other than Semien?

: Maybe Micah Johnson?

Comment From Joe
Any interesting September call ups to note? I’m not just thinking about top prospects, but fringe guys, too.

: I’m going to take more of a reactionary approach to the September guys and do some write ups after the players come up… so I’ll be sure to point out some neat fringe guys as well… just keep watching for it on FanGraphs and on Twitter.

Comment From Guest
The original Wizard of Oz or a remake?

: My daughter loves the original… which is kind of odd since she’s just 3 years old.

Comment From Ace
Brighter future, Henry Owens or Matt Barnes?

: Owens.

Comment From Daryl
Does Billy Hamilton get called up? If so do you think he may actually get some playing time?

: He’s going to be on the 40-man roster so I’d bring him up if only for pinch running and the playoff atmosphere.

Comment From Graham
what level will Rosell Herrera be placed at next year and what should we expect from him?

: I’m sure he’ll move up to A+ but I would hope if he hits well by mid season, they’ll move him up. Not sure what they have with Herrera given that he was repeating the level. I’m cautiously optimistic.

Comment From Drew
Now that Tommy Medica is going to the AFL, does that mean the Padres are going to seriously think about replacing Alonso? I’d love to see either Blanks or Medica get the nod, as there is no way a starting 1B in the Majors should have an iso below 0.100.

: Neither Medica nor Blanks are the answer at first base for the Padres.

Comment From Graham
How much to you take into account a guy finishing the season in a slump, ie-Eddie Rosario?

: Not much… usually it’s because guys are getting tired.

Comment From Daryl
Are you worried at all with Archie Bradley’s command? Does he still project as a number #1 or a really solid #2?

: Nope. He’s very young and has been moved aggressively. He needs time and reps to improve.

Comment From Matt
Happy Crown Price day!

: Thanks. I have no idea what that is….

Comment From sk
What are the other benefits of the AFL besides extra reps? Is the quality of competition a plus?

: To a degree, yes, the level of competition helps… but mostly for A-ball guys facing AA and AAA players. Mostly it’s the additional at-bats/innings.

Comment From MaineSkin
Going to see Henry Owens Sunday v Trenton. Anything I should look for in the power LHP?

: If he’s able to repeat his mechanics, he should be very good. And keep an eye out to see if he’s getting ahead in the count early with his fastball.

Comment From Guest
will Watcha be a SP next year?

: I hope so.

Comment From marjinwalker
Are Jake Lamb and Zach Borenstein just California League mirages, or can they be major league regulars?

: I had Lamb as a pre-season sleeper. I had two front office guys in Arizona mention him to me on separate occasions when I asked for potential 2013 breakout guys.

Comment From LarryA
Is a bad back injury at 19 for Lindor a reason to drop him in preseason rankings, or is it not as scary long-term as it sounds

: It depends on the severity of the back injury… something like what happened to David Cooper is really bad. Most back injuries are treatable with strengthening the area of concern.

Comment From Gregory
What’s the future look like for Christian Villaneuva? Defense has always been there and he’s been hitting well at AA. Could he distinguish himself as the Cubs’ 3B of the future?

: I think he’s probably going to get squeezed out of the picture.

Comment From Matt (Steinway)
Sell me on Dilson Herrera!

: He’s good.

Comment From Gone Fishin
does b flynn get a september call up for the Marlins?

: He doesn’t have to be added to the 40-man roster until Nov. 2014 so I would probably wait and save the roster space for someone else who needs to be on there.

Comment From Guest
How close are J Soler and Michael Choice to making impacts in Fantasy baseball?

: Soler could in about a year… Not sure Choice will be a great player. Solid perhaps…

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Re: Wizard of Oz: Do you think the Tin Man has enough heart to make it in the majors?

: It’ll be tough. I’d make sure he signs with a team with a dome. Rain could end things quickly for him.

Comment From MaineSkin
Castellanos should have stayed at 3B while Cabrera went to 1B and Fielder to DH shoring up the left side of D

: And that could eventually happen. But Castellanos isn’t exactly a gold glover at 3B

Comment From mike wants wins
Why is that too fast on Buxton? He’ll be pretty much the age of Griffey, Trout, Harper, Machado…..and lots of other elite players, I believe this very site had an article on elite players and how early they come up.

: It’s a very rare case that prospects move up that quickly. It could happen, sure, but Minnesota is also somewhat reserved when it comes to player promotions.

Comment From rusty
How frequently are prospects announced for the AFL called up in September instead/in addition to?

: Happens all the time… A september call up will in no way impact them appearing in the AFL — assuming they don’t get hurt.

Comment From LarryA
Is Odor a bit of a Kolton Wong type: very good at everything, doesnt excel at anything?

: He’s better than Wong. A better hitter and has more pop in his bat.

Comment From rusty
Do you consider MiLB playoffs developmentally useful, or completely superfluous? For example, prospects sometimes change levels in order to play in them…

: A bit of both? Experiencing winning is never a bad thing…

Comment From Guest
Who is your favorite Giants pitching prospect?

: Kyle Crick.

Comment From Zonk
Mike Olt: Do you think he’s not a future starting 3B, or does he get a mulligan this year due to vision problems?

: He deserves a mulligan but I’m a little worried. I wasn’t a huge supporter even when he was healthy. I think he can be a solid player but not a star.

Comment From Daryl
Any thoughts on Dante Bichette Jr.? Is he capable of ever manning third base full time?

: The bigger concern is the lack of development with his bat

Comment From Gary
A lot of teams have been sending pitchers down this week (Locke, Wacha), likely just getting bullpen reinforcements before calling them up in a few days when rosters expand (the waiting period is waived as long as the minor league team isn’t in the playoffs I believe).

: Yup

Comment From BassmanUW
Who is your number 1 prospect in the Cubs’ system? I’d presume it has to be either Baez or Bryant.

: Baez, Bryant and Almora are at the top… not sure of the order yet.

Comment From Guest
Who has a higher ceiling? Kohl Steward or Lucas Giolito? Who do you prefer as a keeper going forward/

: Giolito gets the edge.

Comment From MaineSkin
Chances Brinson never makes it to the MLs?

: Pretty large chance given the cards stacked against prospects in general… then toss in his contact woes… But I still really like his athleticism and have hope.

Comment From Truth
What exactly is it that is so hard on pitcher’s arm’s when flip flopping between starting and relief?

: I’m not an expert on it… it’s more of an observation than anything concrete. But I would imagine it has to do with your muscles (and body in general) getting used to doing things a certain way and then having to switch gears…

Comment From Jack
R. Herrera or J.P. Crawford?

: Crawford

Comment From Harry
Nick Kingham or Luke Jackson?

: Kingham

Comment From Jack
How many top 100 prospects will the red sox have in the offseason?

: Maybe 5-7

Comment From Drew
With all the great shortstop prospects, I feel like Jace Peterson isn’t getting enough notice. What are your thoughts on him?

: He lacks standout tools but could gut his way into some solid seasons.

Comment From Travis
Thoughts on Lucas Sims? Also, could we see Christian Bethancourt in Atlanta next season?

: Sims has been a big climber this season. I would think we’ll see Bethancourt in Atlanta next year… even if it’s just in a backup role. Will be interesting to see what happens with FA McCann in the offseason.

Comment From Tim
What is your opinion on Adam Walker (MIN)? He’s shown great power, hasn’t K’ed a ton, and he is a year younger than most kids out of college.

: He’s a decent, but not great, prospect.

Comment From Clyde
Where do you see Danny Duffy’s ceiling? Think he could possibly be figuring out his delivery/release point now?

: Probably a No.3 is the ceiling.

Comment From JBizzy
DON”T TRADE HARPER!!

: Agreed.

Comment From Lukas
What do you think the chances of the Rangers trading Andrus this offseason are?

: Depends on the market and the club’s needs. They certainly don’t NEED to trade him.

Comment From Matt (Steinway)
Do you agree with reports that Dilson Herrera is a top 10 2B prospect in baseball? Would he be a top-200 prospect?

: I do and yes.

Comment From Matt
Does Walker’s call-up impact his chances of starting ’14 in the rotation?

: I don’t think so.

Comment From Gary Brown
How is it that I can’t steal bases when I’m so damn fast?

: Instincts are hard to teach.

Comment From Jeremy
Is Gregory Polanco someone you’d project to be more like Starling Marte or Andrew McCutchen? Seems to have much better control of the strike zone than Marte ever has, but seems to be more of a 15/40 guy than a 30/30 guy at this point. Power still developing since he’s young? Can Pirates fans dream of an OF of Marte, Cutch, and a Marte/Cutch hybrid?

: Maybe somewhere in the middle. He has a better idea than Starling does.

Comment From Guest
How high do you see Max Fried’s ceiling?

: I really like him. He was my favorite prep arm in that draft.

Comment From Jeremy
Some people have been a little down on Gerrit Cole’s performance so far this year. Is this because of guys like Strasburg and Harvey setting the bar too high, or is it more likely that he’s a good #2 but not an ace? Or too soon to tell?

: I don’t know why people would be down on him. He’s got some solid numbers… Maybe it’s the lack of flashy strikeouts? The Pirates org teaches it’s pitchers to pitch to contact and he’s probably just doing what he’s been taught to do. And it’s working for him right now.

Comment From Guest
Who is more ottoneu relevant in 2014, Aaron Sanchez/Max Fried?

: I’m not sure either will be, to be honest.

Comment From mike
Would it be crazy to say that lucas giolito should be a top 10 prospect in baseball. saw him the othe day and his secondary stuff is a grade better than noah syndergaard whom ive seen multiple times.

: A little crazy, yes. Much lower level.

Comment From Graham
when does your next prospect rankings come out?

: Team’s Top 15 lists start coming out in November.

Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
How many years out is Zimmer from the majors if he keeps moving along at this pace?

: He could be in the Majors in 2014.

Comment From Lukas
Do you think Rafael Montero can crack the top 100 next season? He was dominating AA and has been great in AAA after a rough start in an extremely hitter friendly league.

: I haven’t really done any of the ground work on a Top 100 list since the Top 50 came out in July but it’s possible he could crack it. If he does, though, it would be near the end.

Comment From Guest
Has Edwin Escobar passed Blackburn as the Giants 2nd best pitching prospect behind Crick?

: I think he has, yes.

Comment From Graham
I understand that catchers are hard to project, especially HSers. How would you rank these Cs in order of potential and likely to reach it. In other words, who should I target in a keeper league: Denney, McGuire, Swihart, Alfaro, Plawecki, and anyone I’m missing outside of the top 3 Cs?

: I’d add Zunino, and d’Arnaud at the top. If I’m using your guys I’d put them: Swihart, Denney, Alfaro, McGuire, Plawecki off the top of my head. I know I’m forgetting someone.

Comment From Vic
Rubby De La Rosa? Future closer? Starter? Or just middle relief?

: 8th or 9th inning guy depending on the command…

Comment From Jeremy
Andrew Lambo’s 2013…cause for hope or just a good year for a guy repeating levels again?

: He’s likely a platoon or part-time guy.

Comment From Mike
I know this is probably a longshot, but is there a chance that Wong could play SS in STL next season? He has to be an upgrade over Kozma and Descalso there.

: No, he’s not a shortstop other than in a pinch

Comment From Kurt
Any thoughts on 1B Greg Bird NYY? 100 BBs and pretty solid overall #s this season as a 20 yo. Are we looking at the next Nick Johnson, minus the health issues?

: His eye isn’t as strong as Johnson’s was… The strikeouts are very high. He’s intriguing but I really don’t know quite what to make of him yet. He’s definitely someone I’ll be asking about a lot in the offseason.

Comment From Bobo
I read Hultzen is throwing again and might get a start below the AFL. Have the M’s corrected his shoulder issue or are they just pushing until it breaks?

: I think they’re hoping for the best. I really hope it’s behind him now.

Comment From hsc
If Aaron Sanchez’s control doesn’t jump a grade, do you think he still has a chance to make it as an impact starter?

: He can still be a No. 3 guy with less than ideal command/control. His stuff is that good. But he might be painfully inconsistent.

Comment From GSon
Are the M fans at FanGraphs behaving now that a ML start for Taijuan Walker is just hours away?

: My Walker piece just went up a little while ago on the site, so I hope so.

Comment From Maszip
Have you seen Eddie Rosario and, if so, would Dozier block his way to a 2014 arrival in the bigs?

: I have seen him play and no, I don’t think Dozier is a roadblock. Rosario is better and you have to let the superior player play when he’s ready. Dozier can be a very solid big leaguer, though.

Comment From John Stamos
Does Erik Johnson get a cup of coffee this year or is it not worth it for the White Sox to burn a 40 man spot?

: He’s up about 50 innings this year over last and doesn’t have to be added to the 40-man until Nov 2014 so I would probably wait.

Comment From GSon
Jesus Aguilar has posted some impressive RBI totals at AA.. translation to the next level(s) ?

: RBI totals are team dependent and in no way attributable to a player.

Comment From Luis
Would you prefer Buxton over the Correa/Ruiz combo?

: Buxton is still better than Correa, so yes.

: But I really like Correa and think he’ll be a monster.

Comment From Graham
Hunter Dozier, thoughts?

Comment From Gary
Any thoughts on Tyler Heinemann?

: Doing better than I thought he would… I will be very interested to see how he does in his first full pro season in 2014

: oops

: Heineman… I like him but he’s probably a part-timer.

Comment From Strange Dervishy Teddy Bear Groping Hannah Montana
Southernpaw Tim Cooney put up a 2.67 FIP in AA at 22 (117-to-18 strikeout/walk ratio). Wouldn’t he be a possible #3/4 MLB starter by 2015/16, and therefore way too much for Axford? Or is Cooney a 87-89 soft-tosser destined for the ‘pen? Thanks, Marc.

: Cooney is a back-end guy or a reliever.

Comment From Maszip
Is there any word on Hak-Ju Lee? Chances , health aside, he can make the Rays roster next Spring?

: I haven’t heard anything about his rehab but he probably needs 2-3 months, at a minimum to get back into the swing of things. I really like his potential with the speed/defense/arm

Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
Why do so many highly touted pitching prospects have major control issues? Is control undervalued? Or do all prospects just have control issues, and we only hear about the highly touted ones?

: Command/control is one of the last things to develop.

Comment From odbsol
Marcus Semien or Mookie Betts?

: Betts

Comment From Daryl
Are you concerned about Trey Ball’s performance or just chalk it up to a long year?

: I’m not concerned, no. First year stats mean very little.

Comment From LarryA
Addison Russell make the top 15 to start next year?

: Very possible.

Comment From Nate
JR Murphy a top 100 prospect?

: No

Comment From Jack
How many Cubs do you think will make your top 100 prospect list? After the big 4, I’d figure Alcantara, Edwards, Pierce Johnson, Olt, Vogelbach, and Candelario are bound to get consideration.

: 5-7, like the Sox.

Comment From Spencer
Other than Bethancourt, which Braves position prospect will make it to MLB first?

: It’s a pretty small list.

Comment From nick
How good can Kevin Gausman be next year for the O’s?

: He could pitch at the level of a No. 3 starter.

Comment From odbsol
Trevor Story – potential still there or time to look elsewhere?

: 2014 will be an important year but don’t give up yet.

Comment From Jack
Which Cubs pitching prospect do you like more: CJ Edwards or Pierce Johnson? Are either of them top 100 prospects for you?

: Edwards. Not sure either is Top 100 worthy, maybe Edwards. Maybe.

Comment From Jack
Are you buying Baez SS D?

: No not really.

Comment From nick
Any thoughts on the Orioles’ Eduardo Rodriguez and his future as a starter?

: No. 2/3 ceiling. I really like the development I’ve seen in the past year.

Comment From Mike
You keep mentioning the 40 man roster. Why is it important not to add someone until they need to be added?

: You start the minor league options early…They only get 3 option years. Plus you need to keep enough fluidity to the roster that you don’t get stuck with no room for people and end up losing helpful players to the waiver wire. It happen with the Jays and Sam Dyson.

Comment From Jack
Who do you prefer: Correa or Baez? Who’s more likely to stick at SS?

: I prefer Correa but both could be stars. Correa is a little more well rounded as a player and his power could come as he matures as a hitter.

Comment From Tony
How stacked is the Cubs’ farm system? Are their “Big 4” prospects really THAT good?

: The Top 4 are very good and the system also has some depth. The big league club could get very good very fast.

Comment From asdfasdf
How would you rank Eddie Butler, Lucas Sims, Zach Lee, and Glasnow? Thanks!

: Probably Butler, Glasnow, Sims, Lee.

Comment From jda
What would you need to see from Alex Wood to believe your take on his ultimate role (reliever) was a mistake? I’m not saying you’re wrong, at all – more curious as to what sort of results you’d need to witness. (Example: several seasons with a full starter’s workload and no sign of fatigue or wear)

: Yeah, he can have some success in the short term but there are very few, if any, pitchers with that type of delivery that can remain healthy and successful for more than four years or so. I’d be happy if I’m wrong, because I always like to see players succeed.

: Especially the unique ones.

Comment From Spencer
Tell me Tommy LaStella will push Dan Uggla out of his job next year. It’s ok if you have to lie to me. It’s Friday.

: In that case, yes he will. He’s not just a backup. Happy Friday.

Comment From Guest
Do you think Jackie Bradley breaks the starting lineup next spring, and what should we expect from him long-term?

: Kind of depends on what happens with Jacoby. Long term, he should hit for a solid average with gap power and plus defense.

Comment From Zach
What do you think would be a reasonable outlook for Arodys Vizcaino at this point?

: High leverage reliever.

Comment From cuban joe
what do you think of Justin Nicolino. #2? Or lack of K’s a telling sign that he’s lower?

: He’s probably a No. 3/4

Comment From Tripp
Do you grade Courtney Hawkins as a role 3 organizational depth player like Zach Mortimer did?

: I don’t know who Mortimer is but no, Hawkins’ struggles are based mostly on the aggressive promotions. He has plus power and is athletic for his size. He also has time on his hands.

Comment From Guest
Who has the best farm in baseball? the worst

: The best is in the MIN, CHC, BOS… weak systems include MIL, DET, LAA

: OK, thanks for hanging out. There were a lot of people here today so I appreciate the interest. If you want your question answered and I didn’t get to it, hit me up on Twitter @marchulet or via email at marc.hulet@fangraphs.com

: Have a great long weekend, if you’re lucky enough to have one.