ESPN's Keith Law held a chat on Thursday and here a few excerpts. Based on his comments in the first excerpt, Cardinals pitching prospect Carlos Matias is one to watch in 2011.
JT (Michigan)
Who's your favourite young low A or even lower level prospect to dream on? Yorman Rodriguez? Matias? Allie?
Klaw (1:05 PM)
I haven't seen Matias live yet, but the reports I got on him were absurd. If I wasn't generally conservative on guys that far away from the majors (and without a track record), I could easily have put him in the top 20-25.
Like I said, Matias is getting some love
Nick (Seattle)
Who would you rather have as your long-term centerfielder: Rasmus or McCutchen?
Klaw (1:24 PM)
I think Rasmus has the better ceiling, but is less likely to reach it for STL than McCutchen is for PIT. Say what you will about the Pirates, but they are playing their young guys with no nonsense about it.
I didn't expect that response from KLaw, but I have to disagree. I like McCutchen more.
More after the jump where KLaw offers a destination for Albert Pujols in 2012:
josh (chicago)
chances of pujols goin to the cubs?1-100
Klaw (1:31 PM)
Pure speculation - haven't asked any execs about it - but Texas sure seems like the ideal fit, no? Money, contention, need at 1b, willingness to spend.
Texas? It would not shock me.
Bill (Trenton, NJ)
Keith, you've been pretty critical of Curtis Granderson in the past. After the changes to his swing last year, he was very productive, even against lefties. Because of the mechanical adjustments, do you think this is sustainable, or would the success in the 2nd half just be considered a small sample size aberration?
Klaw (1:51 PM)
I acknowledged that in my playoff preview stuff - at that point, at least, he looked like a new man at the plate, especially against LHP. So I'm cautiously optimistic.
Interesting. Should we move Granderson up in the outfield rankings in 2011?
James (Missouri)
Who's better five years from now? Jeremy Hellickson or Shelby Miller?
Klaw (2:04 PM)
Miller.
When do we see Miller in St. Louis? 2012 or 2013? I say 2013.