Down on the Farm: Excerpts from Keith Law Chat

ESPN's Keith Law held a chat on Thursday afternoon, and here are some excerpts:

Corey (San Diego)

Klaw, have you heard reports about/get to see in spring training Jaff Decker coming into this season in much better shape? If he is indeed in better shape, how far off is his bat from the big leagues?

Klaw

  (2:17 PM)

He was in much better shape this year. Could see him up next year.

Decker has started the season on fire as well. I traded him in the UBA league for Adam Laroche.

JAYPERS (IL)

Thoughts on Chapman's lack of velo?

Klaw

  (2:27 PM)

Saw the back-to-back velo decline from him last year too. I think it's more evidence he should start - a reliever who can't throw (effectively) on back-to-back days is awfully tough to deploy.

I think KLaw is the first to say that Aroldis Chapman should be a starter. It will be tough for him to break that rotation right now.

John (Lexington, KY)

I'm not sure if your rankings deal specifically this issue, but for the short term (Next two years), do you choose Britton or Pineda?

Klaw

  (2:38 PM)

Neutral environment, Britton, easily. But he's in the AL East, and Pineda's in Safeco with a great defense behind him.

Interesting since Pineda seems to be getting all the press of late. I recall KLaw ranking Britton higher than most other prospect experts.

More KLaw chat excerpts after the jump:

Dave (Belfast,PA)

I traded billingsley to get liriano? Am i crazy?

Klaw

  (2:47 PM)

I don't usually do fantasy questions (because I don't play) ... but yes, you are crazy like Conrack.

KLaw answering a fantasy question?? That's shocking. I wonder if Liriano is injured.

Kevin (CA)

Jerry Sands has been on fire in AAA (though its obviously still early and in Albuquerque), do you consider him a legit prospect?

Klaw

  (2:52 PM)

He's played all 7 games at home, in perhaps the biggest hitters' park in full-season baseball. So color me a little skeptical.

I think KLaw is starting to see the light....he said "a little skeptical". Not sure what else Sands has to do for some experts to come around on him. He has answered the "he's too old for his level" question, as well as the " let's see him hit more advanced pitching" question. What else. Bring him up!!

MJ (E-Town)

Simulation fantasy baseball leagues (such as Strat and other products) are far superior to traditional fantasy leagues, since they help teach proper ways to value players and game/roster management techniques...

Klaw

  (2:56 PM)

Excellent. Can you send copies to Fredi Gonzalez and Ron Washington?

He's a funny guy when he wants to be.

mymrbig (NOLA)

Why don't more people talk about the string of hideous free agent signings by the Red Sox? Oddly, it seems to have gone downhill since they signed Drew!

Klaw

  (3:07 PM)

The well-oiled player development machine has covered a lot of sins.

I was just talking about this with a buddy at lunch on Thursday. He doesn't live in New Orleans though.

Mike (NYC)

Moustakas vs Chisenhall for this year only?

Klaw

  (3:11 PM)

I think Moustakas gets more PT this year.

I agree, and Moustakas should hit for more power.