Down On The Farm: Excerpts from ESPN Chat with Keith Law

Here are some excerpts from Thursday's ESPN chat with Keith Law, and the first one is a doozy:

MRA (Pasadena)

Wait a second ... according to "many reputable sources," giving Pujols a 10 year deal will take him through his 43rd or 44th birthday. How dare you believe his age to be 31 KLAW after he has received a passport from the US Gov't.

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

I think Neyer addressed this as well - enough people within the industry doubt Pujols' listed age that, if you're the Cardinals, you have to at least consider the possibility that it's wrong. Maybe it's 10%, maybe you run some simulations with multiple DOBs, but it would be irresponsible to see-no-evil when you're talking about a $200MM investment.

Yes, Rob Neyer has mentioned this a few times in the last few weeks, and could be a reason why the Cardinals are reluctant to dole out a 10 year contract. Has his age been questioned elsewhere in the MSM? 

Mark (Maine)

Who will be the Jason Heyward of this season?

Klaw

  (2:11 PM)

I don't see one coming. But I'll call Freeman the preseason RoY favorite.

KLaw went on to say that Freeman is the only rookie that is guaranteed playing time right now, but I think if Brandon Belt is called up in May, he will push Freeman for the ROY award. The Giants lineup is old and may look to bring in more youth.

More after the jump:

Matt (NJ)

Keith, various websites have reported that Bryce Harper will likely begin the season in Hagerstown. Is this where you see him starting the season?

Klaw

  (1:09 PM)

There or Potomac. Could see him starting in Hagerstown with a quick promotion if he tears it up.

That is actually what I expect. If he starts in Low-A, I see him getting bumped to High A by June.

Greg (Omaha)

Moose had a big time difference in hitting in AA between home and away. As a Royals fan should I be concerned?

Klaw

  (1:10 PM)

I'd say "aware" rather than "concerned." It's not like he has no power at all, but that his massive power total for the year was inflated.

Moose is Royals third base prospect Mike Moustakas, who hit 36 HRs in AA/AAA in 2010, with the majority hit at home.

Jason (St Louis)

How were so many people wrong on Brett Wallace's bat?

Klaw

  (1:28 PM)

My theory is that we were all so wrapped up in discussing his position, defense, and body type that we took the bat question for granted. And he did perform as an amateur even against good pitching.

The wheels have come off the Wallace-wagon in the past year. Maybe its because he has been traded 3 times already.

brian (brooklyn)

You were pretty harsh on Reese Havens in the past (IIRC after seeing him in the AFL). Obviously #3 is a weak org isnt a ringing endorsement but have you warmed to him somewhat after your initial reaction?

Klaw

  (1:44 PM)

That wasn't my initial reaction - I'd seen him multiple times over 2+ years before that. It's more about the organization than about him.

I am a fan of Havens and think he can be the Mets second baseman in 2012, but he has to prove he can stay healthy, and continue to hit well at AA Binghamton this year.

Terry (Boston)

Could buchholz see an uptick in his Ks this season like Lester saw from 08 to 09?

Klaw

  (2:06 PM)

Yes. I always thought he had swing-and-miss stuff, especially the changeup.

This is something to consider on draft day. He won't repeat the low 2.33 ERA, but he could still win 15 with that lineup behind him.