Marc Hulet’s Prospects Chat – 6/28/13

12:21
Marc Hulet: sorry guys, we had some tech issues on this end and apparently you didn’t see my responses… can you please resubmitted your earlier questions…

12:21
Comment From Patrick
Maikel Franco is making quite an impression on Double-A ball. Has his stocked reached Sano’s level, and when does he debut in Philly?

12:22
Marc Hulet: I don’t think he’s reached Sano’s level but he’s quite an impressive prospect and his value is up by a significant amount… I would see him being ready to take over the Phillies’ third base job by mid to late 2014.

12:22
Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
How about Brad Miller? Can we expect a .350 OBP in the majors?

12:23
Marc Hulet: A .350 OBP might be a little high but he swings a mean stick and the adjustments he’s made have really paid off from an offensive standpoint… It will be interesting to see how Franklin and Miller end up sharing the middle infield from a long-term perspective.

12:23
Comment From Timmy
What do you think of Byron Buxton? Too soon to call him the best player in the minor leagues?

12:24
Marc Hulet: It’s probably not too soon, no. The hype might be starting to get a little out of control — he’s still in A-ball and the gap between Buxton and Taveras is not huge.

12:24
Comment From Not Dan Weaver
Young arms: Erlin, Eovaldi, Webster – any of them more than a 3/4 guy?

12:24
Marc Hulet: Webster is the most likely of that trio to have a higher ceiling.

12:24
Comment From Dan
When do you see the Tigers calling up Nick Castellanos? And while we’re at it what’s up with Erasmo Ramirez and Seattle?

12:26
Marc Hulet: I would expect that we’ll see Castellanos in the second half of the year but he needs to have regular playing time or there’s no point in having him on the big league squad… As for Erasmo, I have no idea… they clearly feel he has some things to work on.

12:26
Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
George Springer or Jorge Soler in an H2H keeper league? I don’t mind holding onto someone for a while.

12:26
Marc Hulet: You’re going to get more steals out of Springer but probably a little more raw power out of Soler.

12:27
Comment From Harjit
Marc, thanks so much for doing these. So informative and educational. What do the Giants do with Gary Brown and Panik? Are they still on the list of awesomeness or falling?

12:27
Marc Hulet: Appreciate it. They’re both down in terms of prospect values and look more like complementary players than regulars.

12:27
Comment From Guest
Thoughts on Eddie Butler?

12:29
Marc Hulet: I’m a fan. If he can keep up the crazy ground-ball rates it should help him tame the home park demons.

12:29
Comment From Eric
What are the chances that Bogaerts gets called up before September this year?

12:30
Marc Hulet: I can’t really see it unless Drew is hurt long term. Iglesias is a solid backup and you don’t want to go into the playoffs with too many unproven guys — even with someone as talented as Bogaerts…

12:30
Comment From CJ
Thoughts on Max Kepler? What is his ceiling?

12:30
Marc Hulet: I like Kepler a lot but he’s still a long way off — as witnessed by beginning the year in extended spring. I like that they’re trying to rush him but it’s probably time to take the kid gloves off.

12:30
Comment From lowercase jeff
what is your opinion of singleton? how much of the hype is merely the fact that he’s the only good 1B prospect on the horizon? what type of hitter do you think he will eventually evolve into?

12:31
Marc Hulet: The hype seems justified. I’ve got some really good responses on his potential defensive skills at 1B and he should provide some pop in the middle of the Astros lineup.

12:32
Comment From Not Dan Weaver
Henry Urrutia – old for the level, but he’s raking in his first taste stateside. Does he get a call and is he worth getting excited about?

12:32
Marc Hulet: He could be a guy that ends up as a decent platoon outfielder but he doesn’t have many loud tools and the lack of pop hurts his chances as a corner outfielder. He’s probably close to being a finished product…

12:32
Comment From Bobo
Do you think Zunino is up for good even if he struggles hitting?

12:33
Marc Hulet: Seattle would look kind of silly if they were to give up on him quickly… so I think they’ll stick with him for a while. Still really shocked he got called up when he did though… there was very little point to it.

12:33
Comment From Alex
There is no “next Mike Trout.” Until Byron Buxton came along. In terms of top prospects, you’d think he’s number one, who rounds out the top five?

12:35
Marc Hulet: Buxton, Taveras, Bradley, Bogaerts, Skaggs, Stephenson, Walker, Bundy (injury notwithstanding), Taillon, Sano, Lindor, etc… are all in the conversation for the Top 5, I would imagine.

12:35
Marc Hulet: I’ll have an updated Top 50 prospects list coming out in the near future….

12:35
Comment From dbny
How long before Gausman becomes a viable fantasy player?

12:36
Marc Hulet: Maybe this time next year?

12:37
Comment From Ol Prospector
James Nelson or Jordan Taylor.. 2013 & long term

12:37
Marc Hulet: Nelson has the better track record, so I’ll go with him for now.

12:37
Comment From Zack
Drew Vettleson: What’s his ETA and ceiling?

12:38
Marc Hulet: He’s one of my favorite sleepers… I’m going to bet about 2 years away from the majors and a solid regular ceiling.

12:38
Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Has Adam Eaton’s stock dropped significantly from the beginning of the season, or should we expect similar production coming off the injury?

12:38
Marc Hulet: I don’t think a player’s stock can really drop from this type of injury. It’s not a chronic thing and he’s going to be one of those guys that’s always getting banged up because he plays so damn hard.

12:39
Comment From Matt
What do you think of the first half of Eduardo Rodriguez? Do you think he’s ready for Bowie? Is he a top hundred prospect at this point?

12:40
Marc Hulet: I’d probably promote him soon… I doubt he needs two full years of A-ball and he’s is certainly a Top 100 guy for me.

12:40
Comment From Guest
Aaron Sanchez back and throwing 3 innings.

12:41
Marc Hulet: Yup… they’re easing him back in and hopefully his body holds up… With both Sanchez and Osuna getting hurt, Toronto’s system is looking even thinner these days… Add in a blah draft and, well, you get the idea….

12:41
Comment From Guest
Clayton Blackburn – Your Thoughts?

12:42
Marc Hulet: Should be a solid No. 4 guy for the Giants. Doesn’t have huge stuff but has an idea how to pitch and the organization does an awesome job of developing young pitchers.

12:42
Comment From Right Field Rob
How many more years do the Giants bother with Villalona?

12:43
Marc Hulet: Well the system isn’t overly deep and he’s not really blocking anyone from playing time so I imagine he’ll stick around for a bit to see if he can shake the rust off….

12:43
Comment From Zack
Gary Sanchez or Austin Hedges?

12:44
Marc Hulet: Hedges but Sanchez is also a nice prospect. I’d rank the top catchers in the minors as d’Arnaud, Hedges, then Sanchez. Shocked he didn’t make the Futures Game roster.

12:44
Comment From JeffW
I havn’t heard much about Mark Montgomery.Is he still the Yankees future closer?If not, who takes over for Rivera next year?

12:45
Marc Hulet: Montgomery’s hurt right now… He needs to improve his command/control if the club is going to trust him in high-leverage situations.

12:45
Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
Do you think that Wheeler can correct his control problems? Is his ceiling still a #1 if it ever was?

12:46
Marc Hulet: I think he’s more of a No. 2 guy behind Harvey… but still a very solid prospect and I don’t see anything in his delivery that would keep him from eventually ironing everything out.

12:46
Comment From F U Jobu
Is Alex Meyer a member of the 2014 Twins rotation?

12:46
Marc Hulet: He probably won’t break camp with them in 2014 but he could arrive at some point next year. He’s a great get from the Nationals.

12:46
Comment From andrew
What do you think of Nationals prospect Taylor Jordan. Is he ready? How about the future of their outfielder Brian Goodwin.

12:48
Marc Hulet: I haven’t seem him pitch this year but I really need to… I’m a little shocked he made the Futures Game roster given that he’s only really had half a season of a breakout…

I’m surprised Goodwin has been ordinary in 2013… I know the organization was really big on him in the off-season and expecting huge things from him in 2013.

12:48
Comment From Tom
Do you think the Royals will give Giavotella another call-up?

12:48
Marc Hulet: He should get another shot in the majors… but it remains to be seen if it’s with the Royals…

12:48
Comment From F U Jobu
Where does J.Schoop fit into the O’s plans?

12:49
Marc Hulet: Probably the 2B of the future in Baltimore. Needs to get healthy.

12:50
Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Carson has informed us that as many or as few as ten rookies will be starting pitchers in games tonight. Outside of September, can you think of a greater number of rookie starters?

12:51
Marc Hulet: It definitely seems like more and more teams are relying on their farm systems — and prospects at younger ages — than ever before.

12:51
Comment From Marcus A.
Better chance to make an all-star team, Brad Miller or Nick Franklin?

12:52
Marc Hulet: I’m not convinced either one has a huge ceiling but I’ll guess Miller.

12:52
Comment From Zack
Alex Colome: starter or reliever in the long run?

12:53
Marc Hulet: Probably reliever but he’s in the right organization to develop into a solid starting pitching prospect.

12:53
Comment From Blockhead
Have you had a chance to watch the ridiculous raw talent stashed in Hickory right now? In particular, any thoughts on Alfaro or Gallo?

12:54
Marc Hulet: I haven’t focused on the sally league too much this year because I had kind of left it to Mike but I may have to take a closer look. I do know, though, that they’re still raw despite the loud tools.

12:54
Comment From Todd
What are your thoughts on Iglesias’s hot bat for the Red Sox?

12:54
Marc Hulet: small sample size mirage… He’s probably never going to be a big-impact guy with the bat.

12:55
Comment From zack
Do you see Carlos Martinez as a starter longterm?

12:56
Marc Hulet: I’m leaning towards reliever but he’s a guy that could surprise. I saw him a few times last year but not this year, so I’ll have to make it a priority in the second half.

12:56
Comment From Xander Bogarts
I’m ready to help. Put me at the hot corner!

12:56
Marc Hulet: Patience young Skywalker.

12:56
Comment From Larry David
Appel is a lot lower on some prospect lists than I expected him to be. Too hittable? Or just too early?

12:57
Marc Hulet: Prospect evaluators are typically cautious with recently-drafted guys who haven’t pitched in the pros yet… and rightfully so.

12:57
Comment From LarryA
A lot of midseason lists coming out now, and Addison Russell is jumping into the top 15 on all of them. Is it a matter of just holding his own at his age, or has he shown something new that wasnt apparent last year?

12:58
Marc Hulet: Count me as someone who is still a little hesitant to rank him that high. He’s turned things around after a slow start and making some adjustments in High-A but I think he’s been rushed a bit.

12:59
Comment From Bill
Just how high is Allen Webster’s ceiling? Can he be a #1 starter?

12:59
Marc Hulet: No. 1 is a little rich. There are still a lot of scouts that see him as a future closer.

12:59
Comment From CespedesFamilyPig
Does garin cecchini mean that Xander will get to stay at Short or since the Sox 3rd base situation is dire Xander will be manning the hot corner?

1:01
Marc Hulet: Cecchini is talented but he’s not going to block Bogaerts. Boston will stick the latter prospect at the position that they think he can handle and then figure out what to do with Cecchini from there. I, for one, think Bogaerts can play SS for now and then you worry about him moving a few years down the line.

1:01
Comment From Hawkaroo
Are there any prospects the White Sox are focused on obtaining?

1:01
Marc Hulet: Teams don’t usually make this type of information known…

1:01
Comment From Larry David
What do you expect the ETA for Dahl to be? 2015?

1:02
Marc Hulet: 3-4 years?

1:02
Comment From Geoff
Top 3 prospect out of these guys? Gray, Polanco, Russell, Almora, Baez, Syndergaard, Mondesi, Franco, Fried, or Guerrieri? I know a little long…

1:03
Marc Hulet: Off the top of my head, Baez, Almora and Guerrieri — subject to me changing my mind in five or 10 minutes…

1:03
Comment From Stinky Pete
Thoughts on Burch Smith?

1:03
Marc Hulet: May be a reliever…

1:04
Comment From zack
A lot of people have criticized the O’s for playing machado at 3rd, but given their position isn’t it the best move?

1:04
Marc Hulet: Certainly hasn’t stunted his development!

1:04
Comment From HN
What’s the ultimate upside for Eddie Rosario? Reading mixed reports on power potential and 2B defense

1:04
Marc Hulet: Solid regular, not a star.

1:04
Comment From Matt (Steinway)
Thought’s on Brandon Nimmo’s underwhelming stats so far? How high is his ceiling?

1:05
Marc Hulet: The Mets knew they were getting a very raw kid when they drafted him and are prepared to stick with him long-term. When I talked to them in the off-season they were very encouraged with his 2012 season.

1:05
Comment From NYC …
Matt Davidson in the Future Game: is that the D’Backs shopping him (more)?

1:05
Marc Hulet: No, I think he deserves the slot. I’ve liked him for a while.

1:06
Comment From Ronaldo
It seems that Daniel Fields is finally showing some potential at the plate. What do scouts make of his season, and his future?

1:06
Marc Hulet: Probably a future platoon or bench guy. Horribly rushed, though.

1:06
Comment From Bobo
Despite his current ankle injury, will Oscar Taveras get a cup of coffee in STL this year?

1:07
Marc Hulet: I expect to see him no later than September.

1:07
Comment From Minny
Oswaldo Arcia has looked great since his recall – what do you project as his ceiling?

1:07
Marc Hulet: All-star slugger type.

1:08
Comment From Scott
Any news on young SSs Orlando Arcia, Roman Quinn, and Dorsyss Paulino? Do you think these guys could be impact players?

1:08
Marc Hulet: They’re all long-term project guys… Paulino probably has the best shot at developing into an impact bat.

1:08
Comment From Matt (Steinway)
I really enjoyed Laurilia’s interview with Noah Syndergaard. In part of it he talked about his struggles with men on base and pitching out of the stretch. If he has problems with his command and velocity, would it be a good idea to make him pitch from the stretch with the bases empty? How else could this be fixed?

1:10
Marc Hulet: He probably just needs experience/innings. Taller pitchers tend to have a lot of moving parts, which makes them easier to run on and makes it more difficult to repeat deliveries…

Syndergaard is a cool guy… I know he was extremely popular with other players when he was a member of the Jays organization.

1:10
Comment From Guest
Tepesch, Grimm, Perez, Jackson- Any of them have potential as a number 2?

1:10
Marc Hulet: Don’t really see it… Solid starting pitchers, yes, top shelf guys, probably not.

1:10
Comment From Scott
I haven’t heard much about Delino DeShields or Eddie Rosario this season. What are your thoughts on their futures?

1:12
Marc Hulet: I touched on Rosario above. DeShields’ stolen base numbers are down this year and he’s playing in Houston’s system so there isn’t nearly the hype that you get from some of the bigger market clubs. I’m still a fan and think he can develop into a very solid big leaguer.

1:12
Comment From asdfasdf
Hey Marc, I know you have said in the past that you would have taken Bryant first overall. Is that just because of hitter vs. pitcher success rates or do you really think Bryant will be a star? Thanks!

1:13
Marc Hulet: I really think Bryant will be a star. He has the track record – both in high school and college and the power is special. I also didn’t love Gray or Appel as consensus No. 1 talents so I’d have gone the slightly “safer” route with Bryant.

1:13
Comment From Beinfest and friends!
Brian Flynn’s outlook if called up upon Nolasco being traded?

1:13
Marc Hulet: Maybe a 4/5 guy.

1:13
Comment From Keeper Leaguer
Choose one to bet on for the next 5+ years in a keeper league: Archie Bradley or Taijuan Walker?

1:14
Marc Hulet: Tough one. Walker is maybe a little more electric but he’s also a little less consistent. Pick your poison. I’d probably choose Bradley.

1:14
Comment From Scott
Allen Webster with a higher ceiling than Ranuado? Which would you pick?

1:15
Marc Hulet: Webster is more electric but I like Ranuado’s overall package a little better. Tough choice but I’d probably go with Webster — more durable and has proven it at a higher level with more consistency.

1:15
Comment From Cody
There were reports yesterday that the Dbacks were interested in Samardzija. What kind of package would it take in your opinion?

1:16
Marc Hulet: It would have to be a lot… I don’t see why Chicago would want to part with him.

1:16
Comment From Scott
I’ve heard some people say Profar is looking more like a good regular than a future star. Is that just impatience? Do you think he still has MVP potential?

1:16
Marc Hulet: It’s impatience. He’s still really young and is being asked to move around defensively, which can hurt a players focus at the plate.

1:16
Comment From ChuckNChino
Any chance we see Ryan Jackson (STL) this year?

1:17
Marc Hulet: Depends how long Kozma keeps playing above his head… I’m a supporter of the Jackson camp.

1:17
Comment From JP
Do you think Josh Bell will eventually be worth the mammoth signing bonus?

1:18
Marc Hulet: I think it’s possible. He’s made some adjustments and has looked really good lately.

1:18
Comment From Scranton
What’s gregory Polanco’s power potential? 20 HRs a year a reasonable expectation?

1:18
Marc Hulet: I could see that in his prime, yes: a potential 20-20 guy.

1:19
Comment From NYC …
Stephenson in the Top 5 conversation? Do tell …

1:19
Marc Hulet: Certainly in the Top 10, for me. Very talented guy, great stuff, good frame… what’s not to like? Aside from the DL stint that is….

1:20
Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Marc, you have a much better (a little slower) pace than the rest of the chatters. The rate at which they answer questions make it too much of a distraction at work.

1:21
Marc Hulet: Thank you? I like to really think out my answers before I type, and it’s also a huge subject (prospects) so I have to refer back in my notes at times.

1:21
Comment From Jay
Mike Olt – any changes in your projection?

1:21
Marc Hulet: I’m sticking with my pre-season comments.

1:21
Comment From NYC …
Polanco or Alex Hansen? Who do you take?

1:22
Marc Hulet: Polanco has passed Hanson for me now… although I still really like both of them. Pittsburgh has a really fun system to watch.

1:22
Comment From Minny
Where would Oswaldo Arcia rank on a prospects list right now, if eligible?

1:23
Marc Hulet: The pre-season Top 100 list has been thinned out quite a bit thanks to promotions so it’s hard to really move the names around in my head but I’d say definitely Top 25…

1:23
Comment From David
Why everyone don’t think Byron Buxton is overrated? He didn’t hit for power and I think George Springer is better than Buxton because he can hit for power.

1:24
Marc Hulet: Power isn’t everything and it’s also the last tool to develop. Buxton has the body, swing and bat speed to eventually hit for power.

Springer is older and has less natural feel for hitting… which helps to explain the huge K rate.

1:24
Comment From Dailys Urethra
Any chance Addison Russell sees AA this year? What’s his ceiling?

1:25
Marc Hulet: A month ago I would have said definitely not but he’s really turned things around in June. With that said, I think the High-A assignment in 2013 was maybe a little too aggressive so I wouldn’t necessarily support a Double-A promotion this year.

1:25
Comment From e
Do any prospects other than Archie Bradley have Bundy’s ceiling? Crick, Wisler, Tai Walker, Yordano Ventura?

1:26
Marc Hulet: I’d say the highest ceilings belong to Bradley, Walker, Stephenson…

1:27
Comment From Eminor3rd
Do you know anything about Micker Zapata?

1:27
Marc Hulet: Sorry, no, not yet.

1:27
Comment From Ben
With Franklin and Miller both having SS eligibility this year, which would you take ROS?

1:28
Marc Hulet: Probably Miller.

1:28
Comment From Matt (Steinway)
Similar to Adam Eaton, how far has D’Arnaud dropped since the preseason? A catcher with leg problems just sounds like bad news, and my faith in the Mets med staff has always been low…

1:29
Marc Hulet: He hasn’t dropped at all, although injuries have always been a problem with him and there should be some concern over his ability to stay healthy over the course of a full season of catching… but I took that into consideration when I ranked him in the off-season. Good catchers are hard to come by…

1:29
Comment From zack
Some people have tried to assign blame for Dylan bundys injury, but isn’t the most likely explanation that Bundy is a pitcher and theyget hurt all the time?

1:29
Marc Hulet: Trying to pinpoint blame is rather silly…

1:30
Comment From Dan the Mets Fan
Syndergaard now more valuable than D’Arnaud? True or false?

1:30
Marc Hulet: I’ll hold off commenting until I watch Syndergaard pitch — hopefully very shortly…. it really depends on the development of his secondary stuff.

1:31
Comment From Gregory
Do you think B. Miller will improve enough to be passable at shortstop, and what do you see as a likely peak for him?

1:31
Marc Hulet: I’ve heard that he’s been victimized by some bad infields in the minors so I’m keeping an open mind until I see him play in the majors.

1:31
Comment From JP
When is the earliest you expect to see Francisco Lindor?

1:31
Marc Hulet: 2014… I expected him to take over the starting SS gig at some point next year.

1:32
Comment From Scott
I’ve heard Montero might start the futures game. Is that because he’s a Met or because he’s good?

1:32
Marc Hulet: Both? He’s definitely very talented and there is a big push for a Syndergaard vs Montero start to the game, which would create an interesting dynamic.

1:32
Comment From Brent
Do you know much about the Jays’ Kevin Pillar? He’s getting on the older side at 24 but he has hit quite well all along in the minors, including a hot start at AAA.

1:34
Marc Hulet: I’ve been given a modest projection for him from some talent evaluators that know him really well. I suggested a Reed Johnson comp to them and they said it wasn’t a terrible comp… His defense in center is just OK, he’s more of a solid base runner than a burner and he possesses gap power at best…

1:34
Comment From Guest
Prospect you expected to make a leap this year, but hasn’t?

1:35
Marc Hulet: I felt Carlos Sanchez was ready for a real breakout in 2013 and could be the Sox’s starting second baseman by mid-season. Instead, he’s gone backwards.

1:35
Comment From LarryA
Whats Max Frieds ceiling?

1:35
Marc Hulet: No. 2/3 starter but still super young so it’s a pretty rough projection. He has a lot to like.

1:36
Comment From Hopeful Owner
Kyle Gibson is getting a lot of buzz with his major league call up. How early will owners reap benefits, if at all?

1:36
Marc Hulet: Maybe starting next year — With fantasy, though, you’re usually really helped by wins so luck plays a big part in that…

1:36
Comment From Chad
Jays system is thin, but some intriguing postition players are playing well this year. Any thoughts on Jiminez, burns, Pillar, et al?

1:37
Marc Hulet: Jimenez is the best of the three with Burns a serious sleeper… there are also some interesting names in short-season ball but they’re a long way away…

1:37
Comment From Ryan W
People keep claiming the Pirates system is top heavy, but not deep. I think this was a legitimate criticism 2 years ago but not any longer. I mean there are players who would be top 5 prospects in other systems who don’t crack the top 10 especially since Meadows and McGuire signed. Thoughts?

1:38
Marc Hulet: They had one of the better drafts in 2013 and have actually drafted well over the past few years so I’d say it’s a fairly deep system.

1:38
Comment From Sam
Correa is smoking high-a to the time of .322 with pretty good plate discipline. Should we see a promotion soon?

1:39
Marc Hulet: He’s actually in Low-A… High-A would be Lancaster. I would probably let him play the entire year in Quad Cities, with perhaps a late season promotion to High-A, and then hope he can split 2014 between A+ and AA….

1:39
Comment From LarryA
Danny Salazar OR R. DePaula? Or neither?

1:40
Marc Hulet: Salazar is a safer bet but De Paula has perhaps a little higher ceiling…

1:40
Comment From Greg
Can you repost regarding Hedges’ defense compared to Bethancourt’s?

1:42
Marc Hulet: Bethancourt is probably a little better overall but Hedges perhaps has the edge with game calling and leadership. Evaluating catcher’s defense is probably one of the hardest areas for me to judge personally.

1:42
Comment From Ryan W
Why does Bubba Starling continue to get ranked so highly? At some point he has to show some results to go with the tools right? If he wasn’t a top 10 pick in his class would he still be on people’s top 100 lists?

1:42
Marc Hulet: He still flashes the tools that made him a top draft pick and no one is going to give up on that kind of talent this quickly.

1:43
Comment From SteveO
Where do you think Sano lands defensively?

1:43
Marc Hulet: He may eventually move to 1B which wouldn’t be such a bad thing because the power is so, so good.

1:43
Comment From LarryA
Are you goning to the Futures Game?

1:43
Marc Hulet: Not this year, but I’ll be tuning in to watch it.

1:44
Comment From Greg
What’s Pierce Johnson’s long-term future?

1:44
Marc Hulet: No. 3 guy, perhaps… still has a way to go.

1:44
Comment From Dave
Think Taillon will get promoted soon? Huntington was watching him in Altoona last night.

1:44
Marc Hulet: He’s probably close to ready for AAA.

1:45
Comment From Ian
Any sleepers in the Twins system you like?

1:46
Marc Hulet: Jose Berrios, Niko Goodrum and Jorge Polanco.

1:46
Comment From Chris
Who is going to get the call 1st Tai or Hultzen?

1:46
Marc Hulet: Assuming he’s healthy now, Hultzen.

1:46
Comment From Greg
Why do scouts grade command/control separately? Wouldn’t the same attributes that allow for good control also allow for good command?

1:48
Marc Hulet: They get lumped together at times, but often they’re separated because they’re really too different things. Zack Wheeler, for example, has displayed better control (he’s in and around the strike zone) than command (his stuff doesn’t always do what he wants it to).

1:48
Comment From Chicago Mark
Hawks!!!

1:49
Marc Hulet: I have a friend who’s a big hockey fan. Being from Canada you might think I would be too but I haven’t watched a full hockey game in years… Covering hockey games as a newspaper sports reporter kind of ruined it for me. Arenas are cold and locker rooms stinking.

1:50
Comment From Patrick
Would you take Biddle or Franco if you were raiding the Phillies system right now?

1:50
Marc Hulet: Call me crazy but I’d probably ask for Franco.

1:50
Comment From Sam
Thoughts on Jorge Polanco? Future top-20 prospect? Man the twins are loaded with talent.

1:50
Marc Hulet: Top 20 is a little rich.

1:51
Comment From Spencer
What kind of ceiling do you see for Lucas Sims? He was #50 on BP’s midseason update, and that seems pretty good for a 19 year old. At what level do you see him finishing this season?

1:51
Marc Hulet: No. 2/3 guy but still very young and has a lot of time to go either way…

1:51
Comment From Some guy you dont know
Where does Kevin Plawecki rate among catching prospects? In the top 10?

1:52
Marc Hulet: There aren’t a ton of great catching prospects so Top 10 is possible. I ranked him fairly aggressively on the pre-season Mets Top 15 list so I’m definitely a fan.

1:52
Comment From Stephen A.
Thoughts on Garin Cecchini?

1:53
Marc Hulet: I got a little push back on my ranking of him on the Sox pre-season Top 15 prospects list but I think he’s earned the love. The lack of power will hurt him though, as most clubs still look for power from the hot corner.

1:53
Comment From Fostar
Thoughts on Chris Owings?

1:53
Marc Hulet: Could be a solid regular but I worry about his approach at the plate and aggressiveness.

1:54
Comment From Zach
Long-term outlook for Tyler Glasnow?

1:54
Marc Hulet: Very positive. No. 2 starter potential and he’s someone I’m excited about.

1:54
Comment From Weavers Weaveless Weave
Odds Joey Gallo can close the holes? That 30+% K rate is frightening.

1:54
Marc Hulet: It’s been done before, but not often. He’s still a teenager, though.

1:55
Comment From Guest
Were you ever a fan of Tyler Chatwood?

1:55
Marc Hulet: I liked him as a prospect but I don’t recall ever being over-the-moon about him.

1:55
Comment From Ray
I keep seeing all this talk about Russell and Baez, but not much is said about Correa. No love in the Futures Game either. Thoughts on him? Where would you rank him among mL SS prospects?

1:56
Marc Hulet: He’s one of the Top 5 shortstop prospects in the game and I was surprised he missed the Futures Game cut but the limit of 2 prospects per team hurt, as did the number of intriguing World shortstops.

1:57
Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Is there a much more French-Canadian way to pronounce your name? “Hu-let”

1:58
Marc Hulet: Probably but I’m afraid I don’t know much French. If I were to pick up a second language now it would probably be Spanish.

1:58
Comment From Scott
Just wanted to say thanks for a great chat–can’t believe I got all of my questions answered.

1:59
Marc Hulet: Thanks everyone… I have to call it a day now even though the number of people reading this chat keeps going up…. If you have a question you’d like answered that I wasn’t able to get to, please send it to me on Twitter @marchulet

1:59
Marc Hulet: And sorry for the hiccup at the start of the chat today…





Marc Hulet has been writing at FanGraphs since 2008. His work focuses on prospects and fantasy. Follow him on Twitter @marchulet.

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Andrew02020
10 years ago

What do you think of Nationals prospect Taylor Jordan. Is he ready? How about the future of their outfielder Brian Goodwin.