Chris Kline: I'm so focused on Cole Hamels right now, I have nothing fun to say in terms of an introduction . . . let's just go.

Chris Kline: And let's begin with Maxwell, since I figured he'd be the hot topic of conversation as one of a seemingly endless number of Nationals prospects who unexpectedly made his big league debut this year. I really can't speak for Bill, but when people mention Ian Desmond ahead of you like they did in my Carolina League calls to numerous field staff and scouts, it doesn't bode well. Some of that I think was due to scouts--and admittedly me--knocking Maxwell for his medical history . . . it really had nothing to do with age. Maxwell hit for power, but a lot of that was straight pull. I really like the body when it's healthy. He definitely has upside . . . and I guess I can see why Washington sent him up in some regard because of what wasn't happening at the big league level, but this is seriously a guy who needs a lot more ABs before he's ready for that.

Chris Kline: I like Cortes and I think he could actually be a No. 3 if everything comes together. 2009? Maybe.

Chris Kline: Look at Sizemore's minor league numbers too. Schafer initially wasn't a slam dunk No. 1 when I first started compiling this list in August, but as I saw him more and talked to more and more people, it was a no-brainer. He can do a lot of things on both sides, and I think he gets a look in the spring. But I don't think the Braves are one to really push that on him. If they don't hit the market for a CF, they have Gregor Blanco (who I feel is underrated). And for all then national media markets projecting Brandon Jones as their CF of the future, forget it. Jones is a LF all the way. As for the power, it's gap-to-gap with occasional boom-boom, just like Sizemore was in the CL.

Chris Kline: That's what Daniel is, and he actually had a late swoon to make the list in what was frankly a down year in terms of talent in the league.

Chris Kline: See, I'm not on that ship. If you ask Aaron Fitt, he'd say I've been on that ship since 2005, but Desmond's defense is legit--right behind Andrus at short in this league. Statistically, they finished with the same fielding percentage (.949) and off the top of my head, I think Desmond played 20+ more games and had over 100 more total chances after Andrus was dealt. I just think ever since the Nats pushed him by keeping him in big league camp nearly all spring two years ago really kind of stunted Desmond's development. And after that, they sent him to Harrisburg, where he stunk up the joint bad. The defensive tools are for real; the question is the bat. But no, I don't think his ship has sailed.

Chris Kline: Hmmmm . . . your Mills Cup champion Frederick Keys? Jason Berken and David Hernandez definitely were considered, and they're very similar with the arms in the 11-20 range. That's the thing about this league in 2007, especially in terms of arms--a lot of similarities. As for Einertson, I think he took a big step forward this year in his approach and maturity--not only as a player, but as a person. Maybe Callis can plug in a left fielder in the Astros' depth chart in 2008 after all.

Chris Kline: McCrory has the best fastball in the league before he was promoted, touching 97 mph while sitting in that cool, 93-95 range. He could be Chris Ray waiting to happen . . . or at least Jim Hoey.

Chris Kline: If you talk to the Braves folks, they regard Hanson as their top arm. Haven't heard a comp on Rohrbough yet, but I'm sure they'll crawl out of the woodwork in the Sally League next year. He's kind of a big deal.

Chris Kline: Ease off on the caps, Pete. I get yelled at enough. I think Schafer could be up at some point next season, but really believe he'll begin 2008 in Mississippi.

Chris Kline: Right now? Schafer. He's more polished and the more complete player . . . again . . . right now.

Chris Kline: Depends who you talk to. With Rodriguez's emerging power this year, there are some people in the organization that think he could handle the move to 3B. Rodriguez made some plays no one else--including Andrus or Desmond--made in that league this year, but I mean, make the routine play. Just little inconsistencies in his range, that kind of stuff. But I don't think he'd have a hard time moving over to the right side of the infield either. And the Tribe thinks Cabrera has enough arm, range and quick hands to play SS in the big leagues. It's an interesting puzzle.

Chris Kline: He did, and that abysmal performance in AA definitely didn't help him. Neither did his footwork around the bag or the fact that he has a hard time using the whole field.

Chris Kline: It was pretty flipping good. Every starter could touch 95 mph; but Spoone had the most consistent secondary stuff. You can look at Bergesen either way, but his stuff is legit. At best, he's a No. 4, and really, a lot of the guys in the back end of the list will probably wind up as middle relievers with the ultimate ceiling being maybe a No. 5.

Chris Kline: If everything works out, he's Jamie Moyer. But that's arguably the biggest if in the minor leagues in 2007. He pitches backwards, his fastball is 80-83 mph . . . my main question with him is, if the Royals were completely sold on his ability to get hitters out consistently based on his dominance in the CL, why not promote him to the Texas League (hitter's league) and see what they have?

Chris Kline: Venezuela represent! I like Flores a lot, and he was the talk of the league at various points during the year. But scouts really feel his value is as a fourth or fifth outfielder and for me, guys who throw 90-95 mph, even if they profile as relievers, have more value than that.

Chris Kline: Yes. And yes, part II. Oh, and yes, part III. Should be fun, and a challenge for Huff.

Chris Kline: Not that he's a sleeper, and he only made it to the CL for the playoffs, but we at BA love Nick Weglarz. Mark Shapiro loves him too.

Chris Kline: Yeah, not too fun. Cuban defector Serguey Linares is interesting though.

Chris Kline: Hamels is killing me right now. (3:27 p.m.)

Chris Kline: I guess we're all waiting for Drennen to show that upside. He repeated the league, and didn't exactly set the world on fire. Sure, he could still be Brian Giles, but he didn't make quick adjustments at all. Disappointing. Kinston's staff had a nice year and I'm a big Tony Arnold fan, but again, we're talking a lot of extremely similar guys--there wasn't a Lofgren-type guy anywhere in the league this time around. No question some guys on that staff have upside, but if it comes down between Cuevas and Frank Herrmann, I go Cuevas. And I love Frank Herrmann.

Chris Kline: It's be cool if Teagarden was from Sweden, because that's likely how he'd spell his name. If Teagarden is healthy, he sticks. But Salty is a better defender than a lot of people give him credit for. Ramirez's defense has improved, but he's still behind the other two. He'll wear out the gaps though. One of the best pure hitters in the league this year.

Chris Kline: Jury is still out on that one, Dan. Head came on late in AA, but I wouldn't say he's regained it just yet. The biggest thing he did later in the year was use the whole field more effectively. He's still too pull-happy though. Already touched on Desmond.

Chris Kline: Cole Hamels is still killing me. (3:39 p.m., same inning)

Chris Kline: Please send your check to: Chris Kline Baseball America 201 W. Main Street, Suite 201 Durham, NC 27701

Chris Kline: First of all, not fair. Second of all, incorrect. Chuck Carr was the hitting coach in Salem, dude. And he throws a mean BP. Repeats his mechanics well. "Chuckie hacks."

Chris Kline: I only listen to Creedence, dude.

Chris Kline: Technically I'm an east coast joker, and a transplanted Southerner. One guy I'll bring up is Eric Campbell. Better tools than maybe any other hitter on this list sans Schafer, but terrible makeup. It's a shame when someone has that much talent and doesn't seem to really care or show you effort.

Chris Kline: Spoone could be a No. 2 or 3 as far as I'm concerned. He's got to be in the O's top 5.

Chris Kline: Thanks very much for all the outstanding questions as usual. Sorry I couldn't get to all of them . . . Let's talk again when I get back from the Arizona Fall League, OK? Terrific. Have a great weekend, CK