| 12:45 |
: Hey from the shade at Scottsdale Stadium as the Zags and Dons stretch for this morning’s elimination game. I’m here to see Karsten Sweum and Mikey Bell, among others. Sorry my attention will be divided but it’s conference tourney time and we’ve all just gotta do what we’ve gotta. |
| 12:45 |
: One other question, with Esmerlyn Valdez coming up today, what are you thoughts on him? What is his upside for the Pirates?
|
| 12:46 |
: I updated his tool grades and report on The Board and on his player page. Here is a brief version:
|
| 12:48 |
: Selectivity, power, less pull ability than last year, really late on a lot of heaters so far. Bad defense. 45. Nice piece, 5-thru-7 hole bat with OBP and power. I don’t believe in the year over year improvement in his K% and still think he’s a 40 contact hitter and barely playable on defense, so not a true “everyday” guy, but still a contributing piece. |
| 12:48 |
: Happy Friday. When yous were doing the Cubs list, was there any feedback that Juan Cabada may end up in the OF? Or is there high confidence for the IF?
|
| 12:49 |
: Second base but not great there.
|
| 12:49 |
: With the potential labor stoppage looming, how might that affect the development arc of the 2026 draft class? Would this influence some FOs to target players with perhaps higher floors/lower ceilings that are closer to reaching MLB or will the draft approach be business as usual?
|
| 12:50 |
: Business as usual, even if the work stoppage lasts a long time it’s just the Major League portion (the 40-man roster players) who are impacted.
|
| 12:50 |
: Walker Jenkins — is “peak Brandon Nimmo” a realistic expectation for his 90% outcome? Or do you expect another gear? |
| 12:51 |
: Exit velos are up a bit this year but I’m still lower on him than the peer group seems to be. Jesse Winker offensive output but better defense.
|
| 12:51 |
: How worried are you about Harry Ford’s slow start in AAA?
|
| 12:51 |
: Somewhat because he’s been a dicey hit tool guy the whole time. |
| 12:53 |
: I noticed that Andrew Tess was absent from the O’s list (and has yet to be assigned). Was there any info on him from your calls, either scouting or why he isn’t playing? He (statistically) acquitted himself decently in FCL and Delmarva last year. Thanks!
|
| 12:54 |
: Sub 70% contact rate, 45 power. injured now (idk with what, sorry), could have been a menchie if you like him. Solid 350k pickup for them two drafts ago
|
| 12:54 |
: Do you follow NPB at all? Curious if you’ve heard anything about Hiroto Takahashi this year. Big spike in both K rate & BB rate, no idea if that’s a changed approach or just noise |
| 12:56 |
: Stuff is up two ticks across the board, slider/cutter usage is up and that pitch is performing much better.
|
| 12:57 |
: Have your evaluations/assessments of any of the top Dodger outfield prospects not named Tibbs changed in the past 2 months?
|
| 12:58 |
: pausing for anthem here |
| 1:00 |
: Sirota is the one guy where assessing the tools versus the issue with his swing is toughest for me.
|
| 1:00 |
: Hey Eric, first time long time. I’ve seen some talk about how Roch Cholowsky’s decision to stay a third year at UCLA may have reinforced bad habits in D1 ball (whatever those may be), which could make his transition to pro ball tougher. Do you think there’s any validity in this claim, and if so, to what extent?
|
| 1:01 |
: IDK where that talk is coming from and it’s the sort of thing that would need a lot of writing, thought, and argumentation to carry any water for me. If it’s just social media people or folks spouting BS on podcasts.. who cares? |
| 1:01 |
: He’s playing for a team that has a legit shot to win the college WS, how would transferring have been better?
|
| 1:01 |
: He has timing issues and a big bat wrap. That stuff would have been true anywhere.
|
| 1:02 |
: Is Theo Gillen a top 100 guy for you now? Is the data backing up the numbers? |
| 1:03 |
: Could be. We have Rays on the horizon and on update he might arrow up into the hondo. Data is mostly the same as last year except the hard hit rate is up over 50% now. His max exits are basically the same so it’s not like there’s been a raw power uptick. Good hitter.
|
| 1:03 |
: What do you look at to predict whether a minor leaguer can overcome a low-contact rate? E.g. Kahlil Watson with his ~70% rate but some improvement as he’s matured
|
| 1:03 |
: How much power is there?
|
| 1:03 |
: What’s the most exciting time of the season for you in terms of scouting? I’d imagine pre-draft and ST are both pretty fun
|
| 1:04 |
: Four conference tournaments in my metro area? I love it. Spring Training was boss this year because i joined the BBWAA and a lot of the red tape I ordinarily deal with went away. Thanks, Bob.
|
| 1:04 |
: Gavin Kilen is having a steady season on the surface, But watching the Eugene team I was kind of struck by his lack of impact. Was wondering if you had Batted ball data and EVs?
|
| 1:05 |
: Below avg measurable pop, 33% hard hit, 101 EV90, 108-109 max last two years
|
| 1:06 |
: one sec while i see if the live trackman for this game is actually working…
|
| 1:07 |
: it’s not
|
| 1:07 |
: Any insight into why the Orioles moved Ike Irish off catcher so quickly? Last week’s report was not very positive, but it’s not like guys like Creed Willems are savants behind the dish.
|
| 1:09 |
: I do not have any internal insight on that decision. In my experience it has been challenging to coax even basic info, like rosters with accurate names and numbers, from Baltimore. The generous read is that they like to keep things close to the vest.
|
| 1:09 |
: Has any of the team been out to see the Giants ACL team? Any thoughts on how Josuar and LH look early on
|
| 1:11 |
: I saw them over the weekend as we get ready to start Giants. Hernandez is a talented little player, I don’t think I’m going to advocate for his grade to be elevated. Josuar didn’t play he day I was in there. I’ll get back on them after conference tourneys are done.
|
| 1:11 |
: Hey Eric, thanks for doing these. I never played growing up and got into the game as an adult. Can you think of anything that might be lost on me? Does having that experience give you a better feel for the game?
|
| 1:12 |
: I think not playing means that you’d have a harder time making a good read as a baserunner were you to step on the field, but you can consume enough baseball to be fluent in many different ways.
|
| 1:13 |
: Did you get a chance to see Rylan Mills at all before the Brewers promoted him up to Wilson off the Complex?
|
| 1:14 |
: Yes, medium-framed kid who swings hard, cut is pretty grooved, think the K’s will tick way up in A ball
|
| 1:14 |
: Any thoughts on Spencer Jones‘ debut callup showing in the majors? It was a tiny sample, but he certainly didn’t do anything to dissuade his doubters
|
| 1:15 |
: Same stuff: nobody in the bigs whiffs that much and has sustained success. He will catch fire here and there and have streaks where he hits for power.
|
| 1:16 |
: Do the Braves have a shot at 3 50 FV position players the next time around? Southisene, Gil, and Hartman all seem to be legitimate speed-power guys who can play up the middle.
|
| 1:17 |
: I think what we’ll do once we’re done with the last few lists is cross-check eachother’s stuff, and I imagine that group will get a fresh coat of paint while Brendan looks at Devin Fitz Gerald etc.
|
| 1:17 |
: Hi Eric, who are your top contenders for the College World Series?
|
| 1:18 |
: Georgia Tech, UCLA, Auburn
|
| 1:19 |
: 10-team H2H cust pts League. I have McGonigle, Okamoto, DeLauter; and Konnor/Benge/Ewing available on the wire. How would you rank these six youths for Offense rest of season. Our points system is very forgiving of strikeouts (only -0.25 pts per K, as opposed to 1B 1.5, 2B, 2.5, 3B, 3.5, Homer 4.5, RBI 2, Run 2, Walk 1, SB 2.) Thank you
|
| 1:19 |
: Konnor bro. Try to win the thing by riding the wave once he gets raction
|
| 1:20 |
: Any chance you’ve seen Nathan Dettmer this year? I heard that his success is being driven by a new slider – can you corroborate?
|
| 1:21 |
: Not in person, saw a ton of him last Fall and he was bad. Up to 98 this year (that’s way up), lemme see if his slider shape has changed
|
| 1:21 |
: Nah, looks the same
|
| 1:22 |
: how do you see the Pirates splitting time between Garcia & Valdez? I get one of them was needed for O’Hearn’s spot, but two RHB to with only 1 probably LHP in the next 10 games seems odd.
|
| 1:23 |
: I guess Ozuna has been hitting enough for the last three weeks that you have to keep playing him.
|
| 1:24 |
: I imagine it’s Mangum vs RHs, Valdez vs LHs and Garcia as defensive replacement.
|
| 1:24 |
: not really a prospect due to his age, but any thoughts on Bryan Torres? He’ll likely make his debut this weekend and played his first minor league game in 2015
|
| 1:25 |
: James ranked him, he’s a prospect. Good hitter without power or as much defensive ability as we’d like from a great utillity guy.
|
| 1:25 |
: Spencer Miles has looked really good as a bulk reliever with the Blue Jays this year, but has been limited to ~60 pitches. Do you see him as a potential starter, assuming he can stay healthy?
|
| 1:26 |
: As a prospect I sure as heck did but they seem intent on returning him to the pen after a little bit, at least that’s what I thought Schneider said the other day.
|
| 1:26 |
: When do you think the Rockies call up Charlie Condon?
|
| 1:26 |
: Next year around this time.
|
| 1:27 |
: Like basically everyone I’ve seen this weekend, Sweum is not doing well.
|
| 1:28 |
: Sitting 93, downhill, high front side, good slider. Just struggling today.
|
| 1:28 |
: low leverage lefty RP look here, it’s 10 am
|
| 1:29 |
: After looking at the Sawx’s list, should Breslow have stayed as a front-office pitching guru? Seems like that’s the only part of running a team he’s good at.
|
| 1:29 |
: TBD, I think people deserve time to develop in their roles same as I do the players themselves.
|
| 1:30 |
: The Reds just traded Rece Hinds. Hector Rodriguez has been playing well. Do you see an early season call up, or do you think he’s more of a late season call up if at all this season? Thanks for any insight.
|
| 1:33 |
: I think it will have more to do with how Friedl and Benson hit than anything else. If those two don’t get going they will pivot.
|
| 1:34 |
: Hi Eric, thanks for the chat and all the hard work. Do you see any new developments in Cole Carrigg’s game? I guess his debut probably isn’t totally imminent since the Rockies seem to have a lot of slappy OF’s to work through, but just curious what the under-the-hoods are saying about him.
|
| 1:34 |
: I see the K% is way way down and think we need to take a peek and see if anything has changed, mechanically.
|
| 1:35 |
: Chase isn’t down at all or anything like that. WOuld be nuts if this is sustained, I can’t conceive of anyone who’s strikeouts have been cut like this.
|
| 1:38 |
: Kendall George done anything so far to make you think he has a real pathway to an ever day job?
|
| 1:39 |
: The guys who we’d all collectively consider average or better everyday CFers have more power than George. Nice fourth OF.
|
| 1:40 |
: Jason Schiavone has the highest ISO of any professional player with >50 PA, but he didn’t even get a mention in the Houston pre-season writeup and it’s hard to find anything about him anywhere.
A 63% contact rate in A+ as a 23 year old isn’t great, since that’s about 10% lower than Spencer Jones was at a similar age/level, but is there anything else you can share about Schiavone? Sirota is the same age/level so that’s not an absolutely disqualifying situation. |
| 1:41 |
: Enormous power, way up compared to last year, 60% contact rate. Maybe the first guy I’ve ever seen whose hard hit rate is higher than their contact rate.
|
| 1:43 |
: Made, Pratt and Jett, among others, get the press clippings but I am intrigued by Eddys Leonard. His hit tool appears legit as well as his ability to make contact, with doable power and speed. Although he is a bit older, he is seemingly doing things that deserve attention, what holds him back? Is it his fielding? Older age? Lack of opportunity or need? Disclosure, I am just reading the statlines but what am I missing?
|
| 1:44 |
: Was not the best defender during his time as a Dodgers prospect but I’lll admit to not being up to date on Eddys’ film. Milwaukee can manifest 40-grade utility types out of thin air, his underlying data isn’t all that different from last year but it’s not bad.
|
| 1:44 |
: I am really intrigued by Esmerlyn Valdez, but to me it seems like this promotion is rushed, no? He did have some great power numbers, but at 22, could still use some work with pitch recognition. If he’s not going to play every day at the big league level– and the Password looks to be in line for some starts too– shouldn’t he continue to work some things out in Indianapolis?
|
| 1:44 |
: Valdez has great pitch recog. He can’t play defense.
|
| 1:44 |
: I don’t see Yohandy Morales, Wash in your prospect list. Any thoughts on his opportunity and potential if recalled?
|
| 1:45 |
: Lotta hard grounders to the right side of the infield
|
| 1:46 |
: Kiley had questions in his latest top prospects list about Made needing to learn to lift the ball. How hard is it in practice to get a hitter to lift more? Is it something that young hitters generally learn in time? What’s Made’s ceiling if he’s running ~50% GB rates?
|
| 1:47 |
: Sometimes it takes a pointed mechanical change, sometimes it happens naturally. His ceiling with a 50% GB% is Yandy Diaz but as a switch hitting middle infielder.
|
| 1:49 |
: Kalen Culpepper eta?
|
| 1:49 |
: August
|
| 1:50 |
: Seong-Jun Kim hasn’t pitched this year, is the two way experiment done?
|
| 1:50 |
: These guys tend to hit during the regular season and then get innings during instructs where the environment is more controlled.
|
| 1:51 |
: This is my weekly “are we really sure Jordan Beck can hit?” question.
|
| 1:52 |
: You’re talking to the guy who was the low man.
|
| 1:52 |
: I don’t think he can
|
| 1:52 |
: True or false: Vahn Lackey is the best college bat in the draft, whether he stays at C or not be damned?
|
| 1:52 |
: Tyler Bell might be
|
| 1:52 |
: Is Tyson Lewis just a “no” hit tool guy at this point?
|
| 1:53 |
: His data suggests that’s been true for two years, yeah.
|
| 1:53 |
: Good afternoon, Eric. What are your thoughts on Marlins RHP Brandon White? A bit older for a prospect, but has improved stuff and elite extension. Not to mention, he’s 6’8.
|
| 1:55 |
: Watched him blow out a couple years ago, looked great for two innings then velo keeled off and he walked off the mound. 93-96 now with 7ft3 extension. Super happy for him. Fastball playing like a 7, secondaries mores 45/50.
|
| 1:56 |
: Is this the only Ethan Salas question you’ve received today?
|
| 1:56 |
: Yes
|
| 1:56 |
: Have any of the Brewers complex league guys stood out positively so far?
|
| 1:57 |
: Frias
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| 1:58 |
: Okay friends, gonna call it here. Thanks for being flexible with me as I navigate the busy weekend here. I don’t expect to go to a regional but maybe we can do a super long chat during that most excellent chaos that is next weekend. Would love to put on Squeeze Play and just riff with you guys.
|
| 1:59 |
: Let’s tentatively plan on that.
|
| 1:59 |
: Please go read and share the Bo Sox list, and consider getting an ad free sub to the site if you don’t already have one.
|
| 1:59 |
: (peace sign)
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