ESPN's Keith Law held a chat on Thursday and here are a few excerpts:
Rich (Bayonne, NJ)
Amidst the reputed improvement of Montero behind the plate, can he be a respectable, albeit not great, defensive catcher for the next few years until Sanchez bumps him to full time DH duty. Everyone who reports from Yankee camp are spouting the improvement, Klaw, I respect your opinion. Should I drink the Kool-Aid that he'll be passable back there?
Klaw
(12:08 PM)
Said this on Twitter last night - I have heard quite the contrary, that he's the same behind the plate (that is, poor defensively, and unlikely to stay there based on that and his size) as he always was.
It appears the media is pushing all the positive stories on Montero. Will be interesting if this is another attempt to deal him.
Todd (WI)
Do you see Rickie Weeks as a candidate for a major regression this year? or should i be more worried about an injury?
Klaw
(12:11 PM)Injury. Skill set was always there for him to do what he did in 2010. Wouldn't shock me to see him repeat it or even improve on it.
Many are down on Weeks due to his injury risk, but I think he can stay healthy this year adn have a 20-20 season this year.
More after the jump:
Joe (RI)
Manny Buenlos has been lights out for the Yankees so far, how long before he forces his way to the bigs?
Klaw
(12:19 PM)Midyear? I feel like this is Heyward/Atlanta all over again, where you might let the best interests of the club in the current season trump long-term considerations - and it's not like Banuelos has a ton of things to work on in the minors. If they gave him a rotation spot now I wouldn't argue.
Banuelos is a must have pitcher in dynasty and keeper league drafts this year, if he is available. He could get a call this year should the Yankees current plan for their #4 and #5 starters not turn out so well.
drew (philly)
What are your thoughts on Stetson Allie? About where would he rank in your top 150?
Klaw
(12:31 PM)In the 101-120 range. Big arm, command improved a lot last spring, but there's a lot of sentiment that he's going to end up a reliever. Could see him as a top 5 in the majors closer some day.
Closers have value in fantasy baseball. Check. Allie is available in UBA minor league draft. Check. Ray has several 2nd round picks in the 2011 UBA minor league draft. Check.
Gozer (Longmeadow, MA)
Your opinion counts with me, sir. Do you believe Jose Iglesias can hit .280/.350/.410 once he settles in at the MLB level?
Klaw
(12:35 PM)That seems like a far right-tail projection.
In other words, highly unlikely, so Iglesias has little value in fantasy leagues.
Reif (Denver)
Is a .270/.370/.440 line from Dexter Fowler possible this year?
Klaw
(12:44 PM)No, I'd be shocked if he got his OBP even close to that. As rough today as he was when I first saw him in AFL about three years ago.
I agree. I am not a fan of Fowler. I have watched him alot and I just don't see him as an everyday regular.
mike (cleveland)
Keith, is Lonnie Chisenhall the real deal at 3rd for the Indians? When do you think he makes it to big leagues?
Klaw
(1:02 PM)Midyear? Looks much, much better at the plate this spring - better at bats, better adjustments to offspeed. Last year he looked confused by any change of speeds.
I think I might write something on Chisenhall over at Minor League Ball. Chisenhall, Kipnis and Santana in the same lineup could be exciting. Throw in Laporta, and this team could make some noise in the NL Central in a few years.