Viewer - Scouting The Sally Holiday Chat

Scouting The Sally Holiday Chat

Tuesday December 22, 2009

8:24

Mike Newman:

Good evening everybody! I wanted to get rolling a little early and get some questions in the queue.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:24 Mike Newman

8:30

[Comment From Anthony De RosaAnthony De Rosa: ]

Hey Mike, this is Anthony from HotFootBlog.com. Great job setting this up. How bad is the shape of the Mets minors and what do you think they could do to improve them?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:30 Anthony De Rosa

8:32

Mike Newman:

To improve the system, you would of course like to see them go over slot on a few more draft picks and invest more heavily in international prospects. The system lacks real impact talent, but this is the deepest minor league crop the Mets have had at any one time in as many years as I can remember.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:32 Mike Newman

8:32

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Thoughts on Abe Almonte of the Yanks

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:32 Hopjake

8:34

Mike Newman:

I saw Almonte in both 2008 and 2009 and he looked like the same player. The ball comes off of his bat well, but he has trouble squaring up. If you follow football, he is the spitting image of Thurman Thomas, the former Buffalo Bill. I have a tough time believing he's as young as he is listed.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:34 Mike Newman

8:34

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

With Vizcaino in the fold to pitch in Rome, do you think Teheran and Vizcaino will be 1-2 in that staff??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:34 Mike

8:36

Mike Newman:

Tough question. I can see Rome splitting the two with a Brett DeVall (former supp. 1st rd.). He's a command/control lefty. Both Teheran and Vizcaino seem to have similar repertoires. Breaking them up might be smart.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:36 Mike Newman

8:36

[Comment From Jonathan EvansJonathan Evans: ]

Who will be the best players playing in WV this year ,, im a braves fan but I live close and watch alot of Power games.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:36 Jonathan Evans

8:37

Mike Newman:

The Pirates have been treating WV to some good baseball as they have gone over slot on a number of guys. 2010 will be no different as Colton Cain and Von Rosenberg should be there. As for bats, they went VERY heavy on pitching in the 2009 draft so it could be a bit thin.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:37 Mike Newman

8:37

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

What's your projection for Jesus Montero's power, i've heard from BP that he could be a 30-40 HR guy??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:37 Mike

8:39

Mike Newman:

I agree with KG about his being a future batting champion. When I saw him at the tail end of 2008, he wasn't creating the kind of back spin to predict huge power numbers. In video I've seen recently, he has made some adjustments which should help. He really has true superstar potential.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:39 Mike Newman

8:39

[Comment From Steve@MLBFPSteve@MLBFP: ]

Mike, give me your thoughts on the prospects the Braves got back for Vazquez.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:39 Steve@MLBFP

8:42

Mike Newman:

Arodys Vizcaino was the highest ceiling pitching prospect in the Yankees system. I look forward to seeing him with Rome in 2010. Dunn has a very strong minor league track record and should log a considerable number of innings in the Braves pen in 2010.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:42 Mike Newman

8:42

[Comment From CBWCBW: ]

Favorite player and pitcher to watch? and why?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:42 CBW

8:43

Mike Newman:

This answer may be way too random for some, but my favorite outing of the 2009 season was Matthew Way (Phillies) vs. the Sand Gnats. He was MASTERFUL with an 83-86 MPH fastball and a couple of breaking pitches. As for hitters, Mike Stanton (Marlins) made my jaw drop due to his natural power. PHENOMENAL!!!

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:43 Mike Newman

8:44

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

Can you give me a comp on Manny Banuelos? Maybe a prospect a few years older that you saw in person?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:44 Phil

8:47

Mike Newman:

Banuelos is a VERY unique prospect at this point in time. He had the most polish by a significant margin of any left-hander I have seen in the Sally and he's just a pup. I mentioned DeVall earlier and he's actually a good player to comp. DeVall was a former supp. 1st rounder and million dollar bonus baby and Banuelos was better by a VERY wide margin. The Yankees made a heck of a find.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:47 Mike Newman

8:48

[Comment From SarahSarah: ]

The Astros--are they going to get better soon? I'm kind of tired of them signing old guys instead of bring up any new talent.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:48 Sarah

8:49

Mike Newman:

Unfortunately, it's probably going to be a rough road for the Astros. Castro doesn't seem like an impact player and I was a little down on Ross Seaton after watching him pitch. Adam Foster over at Project Prospect also suggested his readers temper their enthusiasm on Jordan Lyles as well. At the big league level, the Astros don't have many trade chips.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:49 Mike Newman

8:50

[Comment From Jeff BuchananJeff Buchanan: ]

You've mentioned in the past that you like Josh Phegley's power. What do you think of the rest of Phegley's game (particularly his defense) and do you think he could be a fast riser in '10?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:50 Jeff Buchanan

8:50

Mike Newman:

His BABIP was INSANELY low depressing his value. I liked his oppo field power. He's a little stiff behind the plate, but had a surprisingly strong arm and handled the staff well. People are definitely sleeping on him.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:50 Mike Newman

8:51

[Comment From MetroMetro: ]

How hard does Manuel Banuelos throw? Who has more upside he or Vizcaino?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:51 Metro

8:52

Mike Newman:

When I saw Banuelos, he was between 87-91 MPH. KG today wrote a scout he spoke to saw him twice in the same week and he was 87-90 during one start and 90+ during the 2nd. He should become more consistent as he matures.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:52 Mike Newman

8:52

[Comment From LoveOfTheGameLoveOfTheGame: ]

It's well known that I ride Toby Hyde with his assessments. Recently he decided to select Familia over Kyle Allen based on a few ticks of a FB. What's your take? I mean I look at his list on his page and I want to laugh at last year's rankings. What's your thoughts on his comment?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:52 LoveOfTheGame

8:54

Mike Newman:

I like Toby Hyde and consider him a blogging buddy. However, with an average SP equaling a B-level closer in WAR, I am more likely to lean towards a pitcher with a more complete arsenal who truly projects to remain a starter.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:54 Mike Newman

8:54

[Comment From MetroMetro: ]

We know Jordany Valdespin has had some off the field issues, do you think he is a real talent or just a "lucky" year?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:54 Metro

8:54

Mike Newman:

Most of his success came during a single hot streak. he's VERY rough around the edges for a prospect his age.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:54 Mike Newman

8:55

[Comment From B3B3: ]

I'm a Pittsburgh guy and wanted to know if you thought Rudy Owens was legit? Can he have success at higher levels?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:55 B3

8:56

Mike Newman:

command/control lefties are the hardest types to gauge in the Sally. They normally post insane numbers against younger prospects just learning to hit with wood. I would say temper your enthusiasm.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:56 Mike Newman

8:56

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Do you follow all the minors or just the sally that you see the most often?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:56 Hopjake

8:57

Mike Newman:

I follow all of the minors and would like to expand my coverage in the future. If I ever have a budget, I'll hit the road.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:57 Mike Newman

8:58

[Comment From LoveOfTheGameLoveOfTheGame: ]

Baseball Prospectus recently included Melky Mesa in their top 15 or so guys. Why does this guy get so much love? Scout.com lists in at #40+ in their rankings. Why such a difference?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:58 LoveOfTheGame

8:59

Mike Newman:

I saw him twice and he was the best player on the field the first time I saw him and maybe the worst the second time. He makes a GREAT first impression, but the holes start to become apparent after a handful of at bats.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:59 Mike Newman

8:59

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Thoughts on Jose Pirela of the Yanks?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 8:59 Hopjake

9:00

Mike Newman:

I actually like Pirela more than most. Above average agility, line drive swing, quick hands. Not much speed or power probably limits him to a utility role.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:00 Mike Newman

9:00

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

When did you start covering the Sally league?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:00 Hopjake

9:02

Mike Newman:

My first blog was baseballhandyman.com and found I wanted to spend more time reporting on players I see live. I moved to Savannah in 2006 and began going to games. However, i didn't start S.T.S. until early in the 2009 season.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:02 Mike Newman

9:02

[Comment From Steve@MLBFPSteve@MLBFP: ]

Is Anthony Gose a "tools guy" or a baseball player?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:02 Steve@MLBFP

9:03

Mike Newman:

70/30 tools, but he has a clue. That's more than I can say for a lot of guys at this level.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:03 Mike Newman

9:03

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Any chance this Vazquez trade becomes another A.J Przynski for Nathan, Bonser, and Liriano deal. Ie. Dunn become another Nathan, Melky is an average centerfielder, and Vizcaino becomes a Liriano with clean mechanics.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:03 Mike

9:06

Mike Newman:

I think Melky can improve some, Vizcaino is still a wild card until he shows something in full season baseball, and Dunn seems to have been coveted by a few teams. The biggest thing I learned this season was to really shy away from huge projections for short season guys. Take a look at what happened to Marte/Flores.....

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:06 Mike Newman

9:06

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

What minor league sites do you visit?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:06 Hopjake

9:07

Mike Newman:

I have posted a few things on Project Prospect. I never miss a Fangraphs article and really respect the work Goldstein does over at BP. I was a huge fan of SaberScouting and now read Frankie Piliere over at AOL Fanhouse.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:07 Mike Newman

9:08

[Comment From Cooler_GuyCooler_Guy: ]

I like where the mets are headed, but they have a couple more drafts to make up for all the Relievers they took in the 1st round there.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:08 Cooler_Guy

9:08

Mike Newman:

AMEN! I was a huge critic of those picks during my time blogging for Metsgeek.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:08 Mike Newman

9:08

[Comment From DanDan: ]

Robert Carson..... underrated by "experts" or only a fringe prospect and why?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:08 Dan

9:10

Mike Newman:

Carson is still raw, but he's a big kid who can get it up to 94 MPH from the left side. I have heard he has some make up issues and needs to improve his work ethic. The poor peripherals come from the lack of a swing-and-miss pitch. The slider has some potential, but isn't there yet.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:10 Mike Newman

9:10

[Comment From PhilPhil: ]

Did you see RObbie Grossman this year? What did you think of him?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:10 Phil

9:11

Mike Newman:

I didn't see Grossman this season, but the strikeout totals are terrifying. From people I've spoken to, he has a long swing and really needs to revamp.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:11 Mike Newman

9:11

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

As in true superstar potential in Montero, are we going to see another Manny Ramirez or Miguel Cabrera type hitter with him.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:11 Mike

9:12

Mike Newman:

I can see the Miggy comps. Manny has such great natural loft to his swing and I didn't see that from Montero...of course that doesn't mean it won't come. He's VERY advanced.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:12 Mike Newman

9:12

[Comment From Steve@MLBFPSteve@MLBFP: ]

Hey Mike, be on the lookout for for a Jesus Montero scouting report on www.mlbfantasyprospects.com soon...Newman, what are your thoughts...Romine or Montero the C of the future?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:12 Steve@MLBFP

9:13

Mike Newman:

i wanted to plug a new blogging buddy. I think Romine is the C of the future there. Speaking as a former catcher, Montero's game was just too rudimentary for me to ever project his sticking there.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:13 Mike Newman

9:13

[Comment From RoberyRobery: ]

Jeurys Familia or Kyle Allen

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:13 Robery

9:15

Mike Newman:

Can I have both for a couple of PTBNL's? While I can't decide, I hear Allen's stock has really skyrocketed within the Mets org. and I'm pretty sure he would be high on other organizations wish lists in trade.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:15 Mike Newman

9:15

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Who is the prospect your looking forward to covering the most in 2010??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:15 Mike

9:16

Mike Newman:

If Mike Stanton is still in Jacksonville, I'm going to have to make another trip down. His raw power is remarkable.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:16 Mike Newman

9:17

[Comment From Jonathan EvansJonathan Evans: ]

Mike, you focus on the Sally League in the few years Ive been watching the SAL a ton of top prospects have run through, Its called Low A but It seems like a ton of top prospects end up in this league, can you shed some light on why organizations like it so much?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:17 Jonathan Evans

9:18

Mike Newman:

I'm not sure it's that organizations like it so much, I think you just have a number of very talented organizations when it comes to scouting. The Marlins, Red Sox, Yankees, and Braves always do top notch work.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:18 Mike Newman

9:19

[Comment From DanDan: ]

Eric Beaulac...... LOTS of varying reports on how hard he throws. How hard did you see him throwing? Legit MLB arm? Starter? Reliever?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:19 Dan

9:19

Mike Newman:

I think he can help rather quickly as a 2-pitch reliever. The slider flashes plus and I've seen him get the FB up to 93. He had very inconsistent velocities throughout the season. A move to the pen might help with that.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:19 Mike Newman

9:20

[Comment From SasserSasser: ]

Flores/Marte.... both disappointing this year, we know Flores is slow but what do you think of both of these guys going forward?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:20 Sasser

9:21

Mike Newman:

I hope they both have a chance to spend some more time in the Sally. Flores has fantastic hands and Marte has excellent bat speed. Flores is further ahead at this point, but don't dismiss Marte yet. A lot of players at this level can't catch up to a good fastball and Marte can handle mid-90's with ease.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:21 Mike Newman

9:22

[Comment From Tim CoulterTim Coulter: ]

Who has been the best Pirates prospect you have seen pitcher/hitter? Any insight on them?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:22 Tim Coulter

9:23

Mike Newman:

I didn't see the Pirates in 2009, but they come through in April. From speaking to Savannah pitchers, the only player they really planned for was Jorge Sanchez. He really lit up the league.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:23 Mike Newman

9:23

[Comment From Jeff ClemensJeff Clemens: ]

Mr Newman, with the Tigers trade of Austin Jackson, I'm sure he'll be given a chance to win the CF job in Detroit. However, if he fails, I can see Wikin Ramirez with the job! Your thoughts. Thx

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:23 Jeff Clemens

9:25

Mike Newman:

The Tigers are in a tough spot as they always seem to develop AAAA types with major holes which are exposed at the highest level. Ramirez certainly has tools, but he strikes out way too much to really project well. I wonder if they can find a cheap stop gap to allow Jackson one more season in AAA to develop.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:25 Mike Newman

9:26

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Do you see any legit #1 type pitchers in the minors?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:26 Hopjake

9:27

Mike Newman:

of players I've seen in person, Julio Teheran has the raw ability to be that type of pitcher, but he's far away. Casey Kelly had the highest floor of anybody I saw this season and should settle in as a solid 2-3 guy.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:27 Mike Newman

9:28

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

I know he wasn't in the sally but do you believe the hype on Starlin Castro?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:28 Hopjake

9:29

Mike Newman:

He was very impressive in the AFL prospects game. However, I think he is also a part of the weakest minor league SS crop in years which artificially inflates his value.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:29 Mike Newman

9:29

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

You're a big fan of Travis D'Arnaud. Where do you rank him in the Jays system, among the prospects you saw this season, and among all catching prospects in the minors?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:29 Brian

9:30

Mike Newman:

He's definitely top 4 in the Blue Jays organization and I'd have him in the top 10 all-around catching prospects. I thought he was the best position prospect I saw in the "Sally" in 2009.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:30 Mike Newman

9:31

[Comment From Dr PDr P: ]

I'm a huge Mets fan. I read your write up on the lack of love that Kyle Allen receives. Why do you think that is? What your take on his projection? He's one of my favorites that has come through the Mets system in a long time.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:31 Dr P

9:32

Mike Newman:

it's a matter of hype and Allen received none as a 24th round pick. Player who begin their careers very hyped tend to stay that way while it takes at least a couple of solid seasons for a guy who flew under the radar to gain respect.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:32 Mike Newman

9:32

[Comment From Steve@MLBFPSteve@MLBFP: ]

aw man...no mention of your MLBFP debut. OUCH. ;)

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:32 Steve@MLBFP

9:33

Mike Newman:

I keep talking about Stanton and forgot to mention I added 1-200 words to their prospect report on the Marlins prospect. Check it out!

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:33 Mike Newman

9:33

[Comment From McCanns gay.org/factsMcCanns gay.org/facts: ]

Yo MIke, What's up? Is there any hope for Alonzo Harris and Marte defensively

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:33 McCanns gay.org/facts

9:35

Mike Newman:

I heard very, very bad things about Harris defensively in his short stint with Savannah. Many of Marte's errors were from his simply trying to do too much. I think he can improve.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:35 Mike Newman

9:35

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

What is your thought on Romine?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:35 Hopjake

9:36

Mike Newman:

I only saw him DH in 2008 and he had the most impressive 0-5 performance I have ever seen. KG's assessment that he hasn't improved much does raise flags for me though.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:36 Mike Newman

9:36

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Do you think Mike Trout could end up being the best offensive player from the 2009 draft?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:36 Mike

9:38

Mike Newman:

From strictly a fantasy baseball standpoint, I would say maybe. He plays on the wrong coast for me to have a good chance to see him, but I love guys who can do some of everything and tend to shy away from big power guys who contribute little else.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:38 Mike Newman

9:38

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Do you see the day when there will be more consistent reports from the minors

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:38 Hopjake

9:39

Mike Newman:

I think we are starting to see that. the problem is too many people reporting 3rd and 4th hand information like it's the gospel when they have never seen the player live. I've received a bunch of inquiries from people wanting to get involved and am excited about providing as much first-hand information as humanly possible.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:39 Mike Newman

9:40

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Are you looking forward to covering the redsox next year and their speedy pair of players in Westmoreland and Gibson??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:40 Mike

9:40

Mike Newman:

Well, this is why I need to start a S.T.S. travel fund! Greenville travels to Savannah in late July and their M.O. is to promote their top guys at the "Sally" all-star break meaning I have to travel. They are worth the trip though!

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:40 Mike Newman

9:41

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Thanks for this blog. I love it already. Do you think Westmoreland is the most overrated prospect in the minors since he is going to be 20 before his first full season in A ball?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:41 Hopjake

9:42

Mike Newman:

no, I think he has had some injury woes which he has recovered nicely from. He's an explosive young talent who needs to pick up the pace. Another season of injuries and it starts to really make a dent into his development.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:42 Mike Newman

9:42

[Comment From Cooler_GuyCooler_Guy: ]

Just my 2 cents on the best offensive player in the 2009 draft - Borchering.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:42 Cooler_Guy

9:42

Mike Newman:

I've known Cooler for a long time and he really knows his stuff.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:42 Mike Newman

9:42

[Comment From raygu@faketeams.comraygu@faketeams.com: ]

Mike-how many Sally games did you attend in 2009?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:42 raygu@faketeams.com

9:43

Mike Newman:

I would say 40-50 and another couple of Southern League games.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:43 Mike Newman

9:43

[Comment From JustinJustin: ]

Sean Ratliff - lot of power but strikeouts a lot - can you break down his pro/cons at the plate?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:43 Justin

9:44

Mike Newman:

pros - plus power, and excellent build
cons - no clue vs. LHP and trouble with breaking pitches
He's a prototype platoon guy

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:44 Mike Newman

9:45

[Comment From Dan in LansingDan in Lansing: ]

Travis D'Arnaud, any doubt he's the Blue Jays C of the future over? Any chance he 1 day ends up being the best piece the Jays got in the Halladay deal?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:45 Dan in Lansing

9:46

Mike Newman:

From a fantasy standpoint no, but he could be a guy whose real baseball value is huge. You can't really put a number value on intangibles and he has them in spades.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:46 Mike Newman

9:46

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Do you think that the Met's hurt their prospect because they rush them in the minors?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:46 Hopjake

9:47

Mike Newman:

I don't think there's a big enough font for me to write YES in. The goal is to build confidence, not shatter it into a million pieces.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:47 Mike Newman

9:47

[Comment From Cooler_GuyCooler_Guy: ]

What 3 prospects are on the hot seat in 2010?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:47 Cooler_Guy

9:48

Mike Newman:

Tim Beckham, Andrew Brackman, and Brett Wallace. Being dealt twice in a year really puts him in the spotlight.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:48 Mike Newman

9:48

[Comment From raygu@faketeams.comraygu@faketeams.com: ]

Mike-love the site and am looking forward to your Mike Stanton prospect report. When should we expect it? (I recently traded for him in a keeper league). thanks.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:48 raygu@faketeams.com

9:49

Mike Newman:

Shortly after the holidays. I will have video too!

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:49 Mike Newman

9:49

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

what's your opinion of Zeke Sprull??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:49 Mike

9:50

Mike Newman:

I didn't see him, but Frankie Piliere has him as a breakout candidate and I trust his opinions.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:50 Mike Newman

9:50

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

What is a prospect that you saw and thought he has no chance only to see him excell later?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:50 Hopjake

9:51

Mike Newman:

When I first started watching "Sally" guys, I was underwhelmed by Tommy Hanson. In retrospect, I was looking for the big fastball and didn't consider the whole repertoire. It's a mistake I will NEVER EVER make again!

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:51 Mike Newman

9:51

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

Thoughts on a world draft?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:51 Hopjake

9:52

Mike Newman:

Where there is a loophole, the Yankees will look to exploit it! In theory it's a great idea. It would be a very difficult task to carry out successfully and I'm not sold Selig is the man for that job.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:52 Mike Newman

9:52

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

What Yankee prospect are you hoping to see next year in the Sally?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:52 Hopjake

9:53

Mike Newman:

I would have said Vizcaino before today, but I'm a sucker for international prospects so I'll say Kelvin DeLeon.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:53 Mike Newman

9:53

[Comment From DannyDanny: ]

Havens what is his potential

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:53 Danny

9:54

Mike Newman:

his BABIP really hurt him in 2009 so expect a rebound. He could be an above average big league 2B although offense from that spot is really starting to pick up.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:54 Mike Newman

9:54

[Comment From raygu@faketeams.comraygu@faketeams.com: ]

Speaking of D'arnaud. What are your thoughts on Travis brother, Chase D'arnaud, and where will he play in Pittsburgh? Is he a 25+ SB guy?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:54 raygu@faketeams.com

9:55

Mike Newman:

He seems to be a bit of a "tweener" so it's hard to say. His value is tied to being able to stay up the middle so a move to 3B would cripple his prospect status.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:55 Mike Newman

9:55

[Comment From Dan in LansingDan in Lansing: ]

Will Middlebrooks baseball player or athlete?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:55 Dan in Lansing

9:56

Mike Newman:

Athlete! I was expecting more when I saw him play. he surged late in the season so maybe there's still hope. I wonder if they would consider putting him back on the mound.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:56 Mike Newman

9:56

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Are you going to do chats like this weekly or monthly when the season starts next year??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:56 Mike

9:56

Mike Newman:

I would like to go weekly after the holidays. I have really appreciated the turnout tonight.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:56 Mike Newman

9:57

Mike Newman:

Final few questions in the queue....

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:57 Mike Newman

9:57

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Ike Davis, is he overhyped and a platoon guy or is he a legit 30 HR hitter in the future??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:57 Mike

9:58

Mike Newman:

His step-in-the-bucket swing made me cringe a bit, but he will get every opportunity to thrive in New York as they have nothing even close to him at any level.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:58 Mike Newman

9:58

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Does Casey Kelly have Roy Oswalt upside and where do you see him starting the 2010 season??

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:58 Mike

9:58

Mike Newman:

AA for Kelly. My comp would be more of a Mike Mussina.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:58 Mike Newman

9:59

[Comment From Jason ColletteJason Collette: ]

Just got this - hope I'm not too late. I saw a note today on a BA Chat where they feel Matt Moore has a chance to be the top prospect in baseball this time next year. Agree or disagree?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 9:59 Jason Collette

10:00

Mike Newman:

I would never doubt a lefty with his ability, but the command just isn't there right now. I still think Strasberg will be considered a prospect at this time next season so I would bet against it.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:00 Mike Newman

10:00

[Comment From Dan in LansingDan in Lansing: ]

better pimentel, stolmy or carlos

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:00 Dan in Lansing

10:01

Mike Newman:

Stolmy by a large margin. Carlos was just so-so.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:01 Mike Newman

10:01

[Comment From HopjakeHopjake: ]

A large market team comes to you, wants you as it's scouting director. They ask you how much money you will need every year on the draft and int fa. How much do you say?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:01 Hopjake

10:03

Mike Newman:

I think a firm number limits opportunity. If I'm going to invest, it's going to be in prospects because my striking gold on one pays for my missing on ten others. I would hesitate taking a job where I could not spend a little extra for the right player when necessary regardless of budget.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:03 Mike Newman

10:03

[Comment From raygu@faketeams.comraygu@faketeams.com: ]

Which player have you seen this year who deserves more hype?

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:03 raygu@faketeams.com

10:04

Mike Newman:

Kyle Allen as a pitcher, Travis D'Arnaud as a position player.

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:04 Mike Newman

10:05

Mike Newman:

Thanks for chatting everybody! I think it's time to call it a night! I had a blast and hope you will join me again in the near future! If you want to keep the conversation going, please check out the Scouting the Sally forum!

Tuesday December 22, 2009 10:05 Mike Newman

10:06