Chris Kline: Hey everyone . . . seems like I was just here the other day, and I'm happy to be back so soon. Listening to the '89 Cubs (The band, not the team), so let's get after it . . .

Chris Kline: Niemann was very good in the second half, which is also the only half he pitched. The medical history is the primary reason for his ranking, but his stuff was filthy--especially the slider which was described to me as having 'roller coaster spin,' by an American League scout. If he can stay healthy, he's a beast.

Chris Kline: Moore was in the 21-23 range--despite being voted the league's top defender at third, reports were that his footwork and mechanics were still in need of major work. He had a great year, but needs to be more consistent in his approach--his pitch recognition isn't the greatest and still K's too much. For me, Patterson and Mississippi infielder Yunel Escobar were both ahead of him.

Chris Kline: That's very wishful thinking, Nate. And unfortunately a little out of the realm of possibility due to the lack of changeup. Broadway seldom used it in college and only really started working on it during instructional league last year, so if he picks it up quickly his upside becomes much greater. Right now he's a back end of the rotation guy or a middle reliever. In terms of position players at Birmingham, the one guy who stands out in my mind is Pedro Lopez at SS, but managers and scouts I talked to liked Gonzalez (Tennessee) and Hu (Jacksonville) better.

Chris Kline: If there's a need, that could certainly happen, Greg, and you're right, Gallagher was dominant late in the year. I still think he needs time in Double-A, however. The walks are a legit concern, and he's still learning how to command his changeup. But there's a lot to like--and yes, probably a No. 3 or 4.

Chris Kline: No doubt. Votto doesn't have much development left to do, but could benefit with some Triple-A time--maybe similar to what happened with Edwin Encarnacion in 2005. Put him down there for half a season and see what happens. Votto proved he could make adjustments, and he's a grind-it-out gamer with excellent makeup and work ethic. It's funny what happens when you're not constantly in an 0-1 hole.

Chris Kline: Overland Park, a number of scouts and field staff killed Kottaras for his receiving skills behind the plate, as well as his game-calling. So there's a lot of development left to do in my opinion. The power from the left side could potentially be a difference-maker, but there are an awful lot of questions about his defensive tools, as well as how well he handles a staff.

Chris Kline: Smith is definitely a sleeper in the Braves' system with fringy average stuff, good command and a solid feel for pitching. Not sure about the ground ballfly ball numbers though--against righthanded hitters, he was 2441; 1416 vs. lefties. But there is no question he's an interesting arm, likely working out of the pen and not the rotation.

Chris Kline: I'm looking forward to it as well, Bill, and I appreciate you saying that. Dopirak wasn't right healthwise all year after breaking his foot on Opening Day, but you still expected more out of him. There's still huge raw power in there, however, so I wouldn't hang the Craig Brazell tag on him just yet. Oh, wait . . . Brazell was back in Double-A this year . . . in Jacksonville actually. But no, I don't think he's a Four-A guy--not yet anyway.

Chris Kline: Vinnie--LOVE the show . . . Sonnanstine is a back-of-the-rotation guy with pinpoint control who varies his arm angle a lot to switch up what he's showing hitters. His changeup was huge for him on the run he went on, and with as intelligent as he is, it'd be tough not to think this guy makes his MLB debut at some point next season.

Chris Kline: It was close, but Bailey's fastball has more velocity and better command. Add to that at least one secondary pitch that grades out as above-average--even though he didn't use it much--and that's the difference. But they are similar in terms of body, though Gallardo is a little thicker and in terms of delivery. To answer your two questions, I'll go Bailey and Bailey.

Chris Kline: Frank . . . Texas League is Tuesday, dude. Try to hang in there this Columbus Day weekend for Will Lingo's insight. I'm sure there are some cool furniture sales or something going on.

Chris Kline: Thanks, Jake. Yes and yes on the oppo power and speed with Braun over LaRoche. Braun arguably had the best power in the SL this year. LaRoche is the better defender and has the best shot to remain there long term. LaRoche did just have labrum surgery, so there's a question about him now as well. But I'd take the better defender with comparable power over the guy with an uncertain position.

Chris Kline: Again, a better defender than Braun, but not enough ABs to qualify. Comparable bats, but Braun has more raw juice.

Chris Kline: Jason, Salty rebounded after the hand injury, and yes--there is most certainly something to prove. I think Salty would be the first one to tell you that. And I'm still on the Varitek comp . . . the body, the arm strength, and the strides he made defensively all make him a more complete package. I know there is a lot of worry about Salty--especially based on some of the questions being asked about him here--but he hit a lot of balls hard, and like he said back in June, 'If I was striking out every time, then I'd be worried.' He's a confident player and no matter how much he struggled this year, he never really got down on himself. He's still one of the top catching prospects in the game.

Chris Kline: Yeah! Mudcats represent! It comes down to stuff, stuff and more stuff. I can see Gallagher and Sonnanstine being viewed as similar, but Gallagher has a better curveball and he's a couple years younger. Lumsden is a lefty with more velocity and a power breaking ball, and Talbot showed plus velocity with good secondary stuff--and was completely untouchable in the postseason with back-to-back nine-inning shutouts.

Chris Kline: Could be a setup guy first, then close . . . v. difficult to say anyone's going to be a closer--tough to groom in the minors. His stuff is electric, and I know he's 27 and everything and one of the oldest Futures Gamers ever, but he's been pitching for like a year and a half. He still needs to learn little nuances of attacking hitters, but the movement on both his fastball and slider are both pretty ridiculous.

Chris Kline: Tough one, Matt. He's gotten off to slow starts two years in a row, but he was more consistent this year once he got rolling. Smokies hitting coach Tony Dello was instrumental in getting him to buy into a plan, and really being more mentally prepared each day he came to the park. Izturis is a good comp, but I think there's a little more upside with the bat.

Chris Kline: Have you been watching Kenny Lofton in the postseason? I think the way he played CF last spring in big league camp set him confidence-wise and placed him firmly in Ned Colletti's mind for next season. Then to show he could contribute in the big leagues this year only added to his cause. He's their everyday guy in 2007.

Chris Kline: I can't stop listening to that record either. And I actually lived in Nutley, so allow ME to digress . . . Hu just missed it. I know Hu won our Best Tools survey as best defensive SS, but Gonzalez was just as good and has a slightly better bat.

Chris Kline: Carlos Gonzalez, but that's just me. Blake DeWitt is another, but Gonzalez is one of my favorites in the minors. I know some people dog him as having makeup issues, but I didn't see anything to call that into question in the few times I've had the privledge to seetalk to him. Total RF package.

Chris Kline: Back-to-back Marinaro! I don't think so--he played short, third and second this year, and really the only place he's interesting to me is at second. He runs OK, but doesn't hit for enough power to play 3B and doesn't have the range to play SS. He showed something at 2B, and that's where he profiles best.

Chris Kline: Wow, and I thought I lived in an obscure place. No doubt Brignac held his own at the next level, but still is going through some issues defensively. That said, he's the second-best SS in the minors behind Brandon Wood. he would have ranked pretty high, but not above Bailey or Gallardo.

Chris Kline: D'Antona improved with the bat this season, but also improved his versatility and he actually likes working behind the plate. He's a pretty selfless guy in that he's going to do whatever it takes to get to Phoenix. He's probably not an everyday guy, but could be a valuable player coming off the bench with big power. He's serviceable at third and first and is heading to the AFL to catch once a week as well.

Chris Kline: Well, he does wear No. 5, so I'm guessing he would say Pujols. And he has a similar stance and approach at the plate as his idol . . . but I think he's more the solid everyday guy that will hit for high average and some pop. He's also interesting to me in that he's a really big guy but has good speed for his size. Not saying he's the next Pujols--I'm crazy, but not THAT crazy.

Chris Kline: No. 3 starter.

Chris Kline: Consider the corner turned. He changed the grip on his slider and that played a huge part in the second half success, as well as a spike in velocity and being able to implement a better plan of attack through the help of Biscuits pitching coach Xavier Hernandez. Talbot is very, very interesting.

Chris Kline: Between Craig Brazell and A.J. Zapp, the heart of the Suns order? Just kidding . . . I'm a big Kemp fan, and his arrival will be earlier than LaRoche's due to the labrum deal. But a lot of Dodgers officials feel like Elbert could help them as early as next season, so as a power lefty, he could have the highest ceiling. I just think Kemp could be an all-star caliber center fielder for a long time.

Chris Kline: You mean get traded and then become one of the better rookie pitchers in the big leagues? Let's wait for the next fire sale after the Marlins win the World Series in 2008 to see what happens . . . but for me, in terms of rookie pitchers in '07 having success, I'd have to bet safe and go Philip Hughes.

Chris Kline: No doubt on the '89 Cubs, but it's what kicked off the iPod when I started two hours ago. I hadn't heard about Johnny Marr joining Modest Mouse. Not really a big Mouse fan, but based on what Marr did for Talking Heads back in the 80s, I might have to give them another chance.

Chris Kline: Now really, Plant City, aren't we all destined to be Bill Mitchell fans in life? Best name is a no-brainer--Homer. Longoria is just coincidental in terms of timing pop culture-wise with a toolsy actress on a bad TV show. Real question is, better tools: Eva or Evan? Discuss.

Chris Kline: Trade, maybe, but he's certainly not at a peak value point in his career, so I doubt that will happen. And I really don't think they're going to move him anytime soon. He just showed too much ability behind the plate and it would be a shame to give up on such arm strength at catcher so early in his career--especially when he's showing aptitude.

Chris Kline: Here's some love, though I can't throw out too much considering you're allegedly at a Black Eyed Peas show. Seriously, though, Johnson was No. 21. Huge year and tends to get lost in such a deep system.

Chris Kline: OK, last question and I'm out. And what a question to go out on . . . To me, the best guys on the list are Young, Gonzalez, Kemp, Martin and Loney--and not in that order. So obviously the Dodgers have a slight edge. But oh yeah, you didn't mention a guy named Upton.

Chris Kline: Thanks for the great questions and hope everybody has a great weekend. Co-Editor-In-Chief Will Lingo will be in the house next on Tuesday to discuss an extremely deep Texas League, so stay hot until then. CK