Excerpts from ESPN Chat With Keith Law

I meant to get to this over the weekend, but had no time, so here are some excerpts from last Thursday's prospect chat with ESPN's Keith Law:

Any Gm (Hoping )

If you knew Josh Bell would sign where should he have gone in the draft

Klaw

  (1:06 PM)

In the teens. Possible someone would have popped him in the top ten, but I bet 11-20 range.

 The Pirates drafted Josh Bell in the second round of this year's draft, and many thought they would not be able to sign him because he sent every major league team a letter stating he wanted to go to school and would not sign. A negotiating ploy for sure, and it probably worked as he signed for $5 million. Bell is an outfielder who power and speed.

Steve (Chicago)

What the heck happened to Justin Smoak this year? Looked so good through the end of April, then he pretty much fell off of a cliff. 800 MLB plate appearances in with an OPS <.700, are you still a believer?

Klaw

  (1:24 PM)

Hurt his hand (thumb, if I remember correctly). Probably can write him off till next year.

 Smoak has certainly struggled this season hitting just .220-.317-.387 with 12 HRs, 44 RBI and 30 runs in 354 at bats this season. I did not know he injured his hand, so that explains some of his struggles.

More chat excerpts after the jump:

Steve (California)

Which drafted and signed prospects have a shot to make your Top 100 this offseason?

Klaw

  (1:30 PM)

My guess is I'll have more than 15, probably close to 20 on the list. I don't think I've ever had 20 from the most recent draft on an offseason top 100, but the minors are a little thin right now and the draft was really strong.

 Yes, the minors are thin of talent right now, but am surprised to hear Law may have up to 20 recent draftees in his Top 100 next season. 

Leo (Minnesota)

Miguel Sano's ceiling?

Klaw

  (2:13 PM)

There's 40 HR power potential, but he has to play an outfield corner, could end up at DH, and needs to improve his contact rates. So if I say the ceiling is "all-star," understand it comes with plenty of risk.

 But can he hit 40 HRs in Target Field? Joe Mauer's power has vanished.