Prospects Chats: More Excerpts from Keith Law Chat

There was plenty of prospect goodness in Keith Law's Thursday afternoon chat, so here are more excerpts:

Ethan (Belfast)

We know he can hit, but what do your eyes tell you about Nolan Arenado's chances of sticking at 3rd?

Klaw

  (1:16 PM)

I don't think he'll ever be average there. Maybe in the -5 runs range.

Ouch. Will Arenado be forced across the diamond to first base due to his below average fielding? He certainly has the bat, as he hit .298-.349-.487 with 20 HRs, 32 doubles, 122 RBI and an excellent 53-47 K/BB rate in High A this season. He should move to AA Tulsa in 2012, and could see time in the big leagues in 2013.

Jay (Chicago)

Theo's free agent history is hit and miss, so should Cubs fans be most excited about his ability to develop and maintain a quality farm system?

Klaw

  (1:20 PM)

Yes - and more broadly his ability to turn the Cubs' baseball ops department into a process-oriented, professionally run organization. You can't run a baseball team the way they were run 20 or 30 years ago. It's a business now, one where smart decisions based on sound processes are necessary and innovation is increasingly critical.

The fact that the Red Sox and Cubs are still negotiating over compensation for the Cubs signing Epstein tells you how valuable the Cubs feel about him joining their ballclub. Cubs fans should be very excited about this move, and the new owner Ricketts has the team headed in the right direction already, especially if they sign Ryne Sandberg to be their new manager, as is rumored.

More chat excerpts after the jump:

Jack (DC)

 Avila or Wieters

Klaw

  (1:40 PM)

Long term I'm still taking Wieters.

Alex Avila broke out in 2011, hitting .295-.389-.506 with 19 HRs, 82 RBI and 63 runs scored, but I am high on Matt Wieters in 2012. I think Wieters approach 25 HRs-80 RBI in 2012.

Mike (San Diego)

 With Hedges clearly getting love from scouts, would it be too early for you to slap a big league comp on him?

Klaw

  (1:35 PM)

I don't like doing comps, because they tend to be misleading and I view players as unique skillsets. He's a plus catcher, plus arm, chance to hit for average with 15-20 homer power (at least). I think that's an All-Star ceiling.

Hedges is Austin Hedges, the Padres second round pick in the 2011 draft. Dynasty and keeper league owners should watch how he performs in 2012, as he will probably start in Low A. Or maybe you just grab him in this year's draft, as there aren't many All Star catchers floating around the minors.