Friday Chat With Matt Meyers

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Moderator: Baseball America's Matt Meyers will begin taking your questions at 2 p.m. ET.

Q:	Greg from Denver asks: Which team do you think has the best overall talent in the AFL? I like that Peoria team, especially with its spectacular trio of catchers.
A:	Matt Meyers: Hello everybody and welcome to my first every prospect chat for Baseball America! Thank you for joining me as I get over the shock of Mike Jacobs not hitting a home run last night. As for the chat, in the immortal words of Izzy Mandelbaum, "It's go time." Greg, as for the Arizona Fall League, there are two teams from Peoria but I am assuming you are talking about Javelinas with Jeff Clement, Chris Iannetta and George Kottaras, althought the Saguaros also boast a nice group with Neil "I don't walk even though my name is" Walker and Guillermo Quiroz. Yes, the Javelinas backstops are impressive, as is their infield with Prince Fielder, Josh Barfield and Ian Stewart not to mention my boy Corey Hart in the outfield. You certainly can't go wrong with that team. I am really intrigued by the Surprise Scorpions as Cal League studs Brandon Wood and Billy Butler get to test themsleves against some stiffer competition. Also, it will give us a glimpse into the Angels' future with Wood, Kendry Morales and Howie Kendrick in the same infield. It is a really good year for the fall league, I really wish some of those games were televised.

Q:	Jay from Madison asks: It seems clear that BJ Upton isn't ready to play short in the bigs. Surely they aren't going to send him back to AAA again next year and waste his bat. So...what position does he end up next spring and playing for whom?
A:	Matt Meyers: Jay, have you been to the Kollege Korner on State Street recently? I've heard some stories about that place. As for Upton, one of my crusades here at BA is to get people to believe he can play shortstop in the big leagues. Being in Durham, I have gotten the chance to see him play numerous times this season and I think he has what it takes to do it as do many scouts. Right now it is a mental thing that causes him to botch routine plays that I feel he will get over. He clearly has the ability to play the position. There is talk of moving him to third, but I don't see that as being any easier for him. There is no room for him in the outfield with Crawford, Delmon Young, Baldelli and Gomes, so he has to stay in the infield. I would really like to see the Devil Rays say, "you are our starting shortstop in 2006 until you prove you absolutely can't do it." This team is closer to competing than people think and Upton's value is far greater as a shortstop.

Q:	Ricky Nolasco's Clone from Nearby Chicago asks: Why no love for me? I've yet to see myself on the Hot Sheet. :(
A:	Matt Meyers: Nolasco has been getting a lot of love from the Southern League managers and Jeff "I walk less than Neil Walker" Francoeur called him the toughest pitcher he faced in the SL. He has three pitches (fastball, change, curve) which are all solid-average and he throws them all for strikes and is very aggressive in attacking hitters. Look out for our top 20 prospects lists coming out in a couple of weeks for every minor league. He should be making an appearance in the SL top 20.

Q:	Stephen Steckroth from Palm Beach, FL asks: Hello and thank you for the chat. This year has been nothing but depressing for Ian Stewart. Injured or all of April, he is just now getting it back, but still doesn't look like the Ian Stewart from last year. Do you think this year has proven last year proved nothing and he can't hit High-A pitching, even in a Hitters League, or is this just a bad year for him? Is he still considered an elite Power Hitting prospect with 40-HR, .300 AVG potential at Coors Field in the future? Thanks again, Stephen
A:	Matt Meyers: Stephen, Ian Stewart certainly had a poor start and is not putting up numbers like his Cal League brethren Wood and Butler. However, from reports we are getting from scouts he has put his hamstring problem behind him and is swinging the bat as well as he did last year. When we did our top 25 prospect midseason update, he still ranked as #3 behind Delmon and King Felix and is likely going to be the top ranked prospect going into the Arizona Fall League. So yes, he is still considered an elite power hitting prospect.

Q:	Jaypers from Springfield, IL asks: Jason Neighborgall: is he the next incarnation of "Nuke" LaLoosh or what?
A:	Matt Meyers: No, he is not the incarnation of Nike LaLoosh. In the end, LaLoosh made it to the big leagues. Ok, that might have been a little harsh. The guy throws as hard as anyone in the minors but has no idea where it is going. For those who haven't been following, he has 17 strikeouts and 31 walks in 16 Pioneer League innings. I am a big fan of what Arizona has done with their farm system, but it is hard to believe the Diamondacks gave him $500,000 and won't give Justin Upton as much as they gave Stephen Drew.

Q:	Dan Sas from NYC (Viejo Yayo) asks: 4 home runs in his first 4 games, which has never been done before. Is Mike Jacobs for real? Have the Mets found a young internal solution to the their first base problems for the foreseeable future? Can he catch at this level?
A:	Matt Meyers: Jacobs is certainly a talented hitter, but I doubt he will hit 162 home runs in a season. Whether or not he can stick as a catcher is a big question. I had a scout say to me that he thinks Jacobs can play catcher in the big leagues if Piazza can. While Jacobs may not hit like Piazza in his prime, Piazza has not been "Piazza" for the last 2 or 3 years and he has still been catching. It is possible that Jacobs might hit well enough to stick at first. It has impressed me that even as well as he has been swinging the bat for the Mets, he has stayed patient and taken some walks. I'd expect him to be swinging from his heels with his early success. As for his defense, he is never going to be above average at any position he plays.

Q:	David from Kennesaw, GA asks: Matt, now that the season is coming to a close, is it safe to say that even despite his early struggles, Homer Bailey is by far the better prospect over Mark Rogers?
A:	Matt Meyers: David, Neither of these guys have had spectacular full season debuts, but Bailey is certainly a step ahead at this point, I wouldn't say "by far" though. Rogers has never gotten it going and has also battled some blister problems which aren't helping. From what I hear, the Brewers are still high on him and believe that he is picking things up slowly and one day it is just going to "click." This is a guy from Maine though, and while I have a lot of Maine pride since I went to college there, the competition he faced in high school was not particularly tough and he should be given the benefit of the doubt. He does have 100 strike outs in 89 innings, but also 61 walks. Way too early to give up on him. Hopefully he can replace Bill Swift as the greatest big leaguer from Maine, Bailey has not put up great numbers either in the Midwest League, but I had a scout recently raving about him and his "hammer curve." His 3.52 ERA in August (with 33 Ks in 23 innings) is his second best ERA of any month so it is good to see he isn't tiring.He has a lot of moxie too. As a writer, I want to see him get to the big leagues for his outlandish quotes if nothing else.

Q:	Dan Aliperto from St. Paul, MN asks: It appears the Twins will bring up Scott Baker to take Joe Mays spot in the rotation. Do you think that is the right move or should Francisco Liriano get the nod for the rotation? Also with the emergance of Liriano & Baker, where does that leave JD Durbin for next year?
A:	Matt Meyers: Dan, I hadn't heard about Baker getting Mays spot, but he is a bit older than Liriano so it doesn't surprise me. Liriano certainly has a higher ceiling than Baker though and I think the Twins best chance of making the playoffs is if they get Liriano in their rotation because he has the stuff to dominate and make an impact. I saw him pitch earlier this year in Durham and while he got touched up a bit in the 1st, for the next four innings he was untouchable. Mid-90s velocity to go with a great feel for his change at 21-years-old. And to think, he was considered the least of the three players they got for AJ Pierzynski along with Nathan and Boof Bonser. Talk about a fleecing.

Q:	Jay from Madison asks: The O's 2005 draft is looking darn good, no? Erbe, Olson, Rienmold and Snyder. How good are these guys and with a few other prospects along the way are the O's moving towards respectability?
A:	Matt Meyers: The Orioles have gotten some of the best early returns on their draft of any team. I will channel my inner Tommy Heinsohn when I say, "I...love...Erbe." This is a 17-year-old pitching in the mid to high 90's in the Appy League. Every manager in that league I spoke to raved about his ability. He is very young and obviously has a long way to go. The Orioles are rightfully being very careful with him as he hasn't thrown more than four innings in any start. That is more then can be said for Garret Olsen. After throwing about 140 college innings, he has thrown 45 more in pro ball. Why are they so cautious with one and not with the other? It really makes no sense to me. Reimold and Snyder both look great with the bat. Reimold was dominating the New York-Penn League and is doing more of the same in the Carolina League. Managers in the NPYL are very high on his chances of being an impact big leaguer. Snyder has been raking in the Appy League, but their are concerns about whether he has the arm to play catcher at higher levels.

Q:	Commish from Montana asks: Not exactly sure what today's topic is, but I'll still ask a couple of questions. 1) Give me your projected Top 5 picks for the 2006 draft. 2) Rank for me in terms of upside...Elijah Dukes, Kendry Morales, Felix Pie, Jeff Clement, Travis Buck
A:	Matt Meyers: I had to tackle this question. I am going to write down my top 5 too so I can look back at it in June and see how ridiculous my answer was. 1) Andrew Miller, lhp, UNC 2) Chris Marrero, 3b, Monisgior Pace HS (Miami) 3) Daniel Bard, rhp, UNC 4) Max Scherzer, rhp, Missouri 5) Matt Latos, Cocunut Creek (Fla.) HS How is that for you? As for the other 5 1) Kendry Morales-Likely to be a plus power bat 2) Jeff Clement-A lefty power bat at catcher? Yes, please. 3) Elijah Dukes-He might be crazy, but that never stopped Sheffield. 4) Felix Pie-I liked him better the first time the Cubs had him, when he was called Corey Patterson! (zing) 5) Travis Buck-He will likely be a solid big leaguer, but his ceiling is not as high as the others. I'd say he is more likely to reach it than Pie though.

Q:	Chris from Washington, D.C. asks: Who would you rather have in your rotation if you needed a strong lefty, a fire baller, and a deceptive pitcher --- Troy Patton or Phil Hughes? Juan Morillo or Mark Rogers? Anibal Sanchez or Yusmeiro Petit?
A:	Matt Meyers: Well, since there is only one lefty in that group (Patton), isn't it a loaded question? I am not exactly sure I understand the question, but these are all interesting names so I figure I would address them if nothing else. That being said, I like Troy Patton the best of that group. He dominated the SAL and has also been excellent in the Carolina League at age 19. He sits in the low 90s with an advanced feel for his change. Word is Hughes is being shut down for the year so next year should be key in his development. As far as I know, it is nothing serious, but there is no reason for him to keep pitching. I spoke about Rogers before. As for Morillo, to me he is nothing more than a hard thrower. As for Petit v. Sanchez, Petit has outdueled Sanchez twice this season, but Sanchez has a 96 mph fastball and a plus change and therefore has a higher ceiling. I won't bet against Petit until he stops dominating, but he is more likely to be a middle of the rotation guy who I like to compare to Rick Reed for Mets fans. He throws four average pitches for strikes. Lefties have rocked him this season too which bears watching. If I were starting a team now, I would take with Sanchez.

Q:	Shoshana from Baltimore asks: In your opinion what type of player can Nick Markakis be? I know he isn't as good a prospect as Young but he should have the arm to be an excellent defender and has shown the ability to hit for average and drive in runs.
A:	Matt Meyers: Shoshana, it is nice to get a female voice on the board to break up this sausage fest. Realistically, not being as good of a prospect as Delmon Young is by no means an insult. Markakis is 21, and hitting .349 in his first taste of Double-A after mauling the Carolina League. Assuming the Orioles do not pick up Sammy Sosa's enormous option for 2006 (and I think that is a safe assumption), Markakis could begin 2006 in Baltimore. More likely, you will see him there sometime next year. There is little in the upper levels of the Orioles system for fans to be excited about, but Markakis is legit.

Q:	Brian Wencelblat from Hyde Park asks: What is a fair projection for Delmon Young's numbers potential in the majors with the Devil Rays once he reaches full potential?
A:	Matt Meyers: Bryan, how about .390.470.790, with 75 homers a year. Well, maybe not. How about .320.390.570 with 35-40 homers? What is also crazy about Young is that he has 32 stolen bases this year. Are you serious? He also has a plus arm in right field. I have watched him a lot this season and it is a treat. It will be too bad when he and Upton are no longer playing in spitting distance of the BA office. That will most likely be next season. He most often gets compared to Albert Belle and I think that is a good comp, with a better glove and without the Hannah Storm tormenting.

Q:	Lyonel from New York City asks: Matt, is Billy Butler the real deal? He's hitting very well in AA...any chance for a promotion to AAA or to the big club this season?
A:	Matt Meyers: Lyonel, big ups to NYC. It must be lonely being a Royals fan in the Big Apple but at least you can go see them get waxed in the Bronx this weekend. Butler's bat is definitely for real. For a 19-year-old, he is quite advanced as a hitter. Where he plays in the field is more of a question mark. Right now he is manning left field and hopefully he will be able to stick there. If not, he is a DH. That is fine because he should hit well enough to be a DH, but you would like a little bit more from such a young player. Particularly a first round pick.

Q:	Bob from winthrop asks: I noticed Ryan Zimmerman is on the Peoria roster. Is he still going to be eligible if the nationals call him up in september? thank you.
A:	Matt Meyers: Yes, he will still be eligible. This year the league implemented two changes in regard to which players are eligible to play: A player must have no more than one year active major league service time prior to Aug. 31, or the player has had no more than two years of major league service time in full. He may be in the big leagues next week and might not end up playing in the AFL, but he is eligible. What has intrigued me about Zimmerman is that scouts say he can play shortstop which would certainly increase his value. Khalil Greene made the switch from third to short in college and it is believed Zimmerman has the range, hands and aptitude to do it to. While Christian Guzman is creating "The Guzman Line" at .180, the Nats might want to think about it.

Q:	ERick Duncan from trenton asks: Do you think playing time in the Arizona fall league will permote me to triple A next year? and will I be playin first base?>
A:	Matt Meyers: Eric, it may earn you a promotion to Triple-A, but you probably will not have earned it. Seriously though, Duncan might have been rushed a bit when he was younger, and some say it was to increase his trade value. If the Yankees are valuing their prospects again and see him as a future big leaguer for them, first base seems like the logical choice since third is blocked by some guy with frosty tips and a Hall of Fame resume. However, he might need to up his offensive production to be an impact first baseman. To me, Duncan should repeat Double-A. He isn't 21 yet and he is hitting .231.331.415 in Double-A with 126 strikeouts. He is a patient hitter, he has power and he has earned praise for his work ethic and his hustle; however, he simply swings and misses too much. There is no reason to rush him because his weakness would be exploited at the higher level. Okay folks, that is it for me. Thank you for all the great questions although I was a bit disappointed by the lack of Lance Broadway inquiries. Try and do better next time. Seriously though, I had a blast and I hope to do this again soon. Have a great weekend. "Goodnight Springton, there will be no encore!"