Jim Callis
February 8, 2002

Q:	Erick Metzger from Columbus, OH asks: Recently the Reds signed Pete Rose, Jr. to a minor league contract, presumably to play third base for their Double-A Chattanooga team. While Pete no longer qualifies as a prospect, his signing did bring to light the dearth of third base prospects in the Reds minor league system. Has Brandon Larson passed the Œprospectš stage? If so, is Edwin Encarnacion, who played Rookie ball last summer, their only legitimate third base prospect? Thanks.
A:	Jim Callis: I don't have a whole lot of faith in Larson at this point, at least not of him becoming a big league regular. Encarnacion is their only real prospect at the hot corner. The Reds have an outfield surplus, so maybe they can swing a trade with the third base-heavy Padres.

Q:	Ted from Wilmington asks: What's your best guess as to the plight of the Expos this season. Latest reports indicate Frank Robinson may coach and Tavarez may GM the club. Do you think MLB may restrict their ability to make deals for this season until the new ownership situation is straightened out? Curious as to your thoughts....Thanks !!!
A:	Jim Callis: I think Tony Tavares would be the president and someone like the Mets' Omar Minaya or Doug Melvin would be GM. MLB has to put a restriction on letting the team make deals, I would think, unless it's in contention, which won't happen. Then again, the way MLB conducts itself is a joke. But how can they let the club trade Vladimir Guerrero or Javier Vazquez? I could see the Expos winning about 70 games and drawing 700,000 fans.

Q:	Craig Burrows from Marietta, GA asks: I received a email saying it shipped, but it has been more than a week, and I have yet to get it. When do the Prospects Handbooks start shipping?
A:	Jim Callis: I'm not in the Durham office, but I'm fairly sure the books aren't back from the printer yet. I believe they'll ship within a couple of weeks.

Q:	Gavin from Oklahoma City asks: What does the future hold for Kevin Mench and Jason Hart with the Rangers current situation?
A:	Jim Callis: I think Mench eventually will be the DH in Texas. I don't see Hart winning the first-base job, which I believe will go to Mark Teixeira.

Q:	Ted from Wilmington asks: Which current prospects (Let's say one each in the AL and NL) do you feel are in the best position to challenge for American and National League 2002 Rookie of the Year ?
A:	Jim Callis: Carlos Pena over Eric Hinske in the AL and Kazuhisa Ishii over Josh Beckett in the NL. The NL has an edge in talented rookies for 2002.

Q:	Gavin from Oklahoma City asks: How many of the following do you think will have rotation spots at the beginning of the year? After the break? Neugebauer, Tankersley, Carlos Hernandez, Dan Wright, Mike MacDougal, Tim Redding, Eric Cyr.
A:	Jim Callis: Opening Day: Nick Neugebauer (though I'd give him more Triple-A time), Carlos Hernandez, Dan Wright. By the break: Dennis Tankersley, Mike MacDougal, Tim Redding. Sometime in 2003: Eric Cyr. No airplane jokes here.

Q:	thomas from new york asks: Following a very solid 2001 draft,the Mets have begun to rebuild their system,especially at the lower levels. What do see them focusing on in the 2002 draft and do you belive Jose Reyes and Aaron Heilman will be major impact players one day?
A:	Jim Callis: The Mets need to rebuild. After their offseason of trading, I think they're the third-worst organization in terms of talent (behind the Cardinals and Orioles). I think like most teams, they'll draft the best available player regardless of his position, though they do have a crying need for position players. I do like both Reyes and Heilman. Beyond that, the system is extremely thin at the upper levels.

Q:	Terry Gilbert from Springfield, Virginia asks: The Detroit Tiger minor league system seems to be on the upswing; having according to several baseball experts, the best draft in 2001. Who are the up and comers in their system and can you give us a few sleepers in this organization?
A:	Jim Callis: The Tigers did have a very solid draft. Their best prospects, in my mind, are RHPs Kenny Baugh and Nate Cornejo, SS Omar Infante and 1B Eric Munson. Keep an eye on a number of 2001 draft picks besides Baugh, including 2B Michael Woods, RHP Preston Larrison, LHP Matt Coenen, 3Bs Jack Hannahan and Ryan Raburn, and C Mike Rabelo.

Q:	John Ledbetter from Lockport, Illinois asks: The Cubs appear to be ready for another legitimate shot at the NL Central. There 3-5 hitters can arguably stand up against any teams. However the bottom of the lineup is weak. What do you see Corey Patterson doing this year as far as stats go. I am predicting 14 hr 75 rbi and a 280 batting average with maybe 35 steals or so. What do you think
A:	Jim Callis: I think the Cubs' future is very bright, but I wouldn't be surprised if they mildly disappointed their fans by taking a slight step back this year. I still believe in Patterson, but he's going to need some time to catch his breath after rushing through the minors. He may not live up to his potential until 2003 or 2004. This year, I could see him hitting .260-12-60 with 20 steals.

Q:	Will from Boston asks: Harvard's Ben Crockett, and Fordham's Bobby Kingsbury have gotten a lot of attention from scouts, I was wondering if you see any other northeast prospects with a chance to go pretty high in this years draft. I know a few BC players had some success in the Cape this summer, along with some Harvard guys too. Thanks.
A:	Moderator: Rutgers RHP Bobby Brownlie is the best prospect in the Northeast and perhaps the entire draft. A few other Northeast names to watch are Rutgers 1BOF Val Majewski, Salisbury (Conn.) HS LHP Mark Rosen and St. Mark's (Del.) HS LHP MArk Romanczuk.

Q:	Mark L. Peel from Arlington Heights, IL asks: What's your take on the current state of Oakland's farm system? They have a great many high draft picks this June, but this draft appears light on the college players they prefer; are they running a risk of finding the pipeline dry as they need mid-season help this year and next?
A:	Jim Callis: Well, Grady Fuson was the guy who mainly preferred college players, and with him in Texas perhaps Oakland will modify its approach. Their pipeline is drying up, because they've gotten so many guys to the big leagues quickly and traded away several others.

Q:	Rory from Regina, Canada asks: Who would you rather have in your organization Joe Borchard or Austin Kearns and why? Who has better short term potential and who has better long term potential? What kind of players(numbers) might they be in the majors? Thanks!!
A:	Jim Callis: That's a tossup, as I think they'll both be tremendous power hitters in the majors. I'm not really convinced Borchard will stick in CF, and Kearns has a little better eye at the plate, so I'll take Kearns just barely.

Q:	Jeff from Indy asks: When are the Top 30 Prospect books going out? I can't decide how excited I should get about David Kelton. The fact that the Cubs moved him to the OF speaks for a lack of confidence in his fielding. How likely is it that he can play 3B in Wrigley next year? Which big leaguer would you compare him to?
A:	Jim Callis: The books should go out in 2-3 weeks. I like about Kelton's bat, but the signing of Moises Alou means he'll have to play third base. Whether he can do that remains in question. I think he could hit .280 with 25-30 HR once he hits his stride. I doubt he'll get to Wrigley as a third baseman much earlier than 2003.

Q:	Dan from Philadelphia asks: How long will it take for the Prospect 2002 Handbook to get to where I live after ordering it? I just want to know if my Girlfriend still has time to get me it for Valentine's day!
A:	Jim Callis: Order away. We should get them back shortly after Valentine's Day. But you won't get it before the 14th, if that's what you're asking.

Q:	John from Baseball City asks: I wanted to hear your breakdown of an interestingintriguing prospect: Mike Mallory Cubs. I see they still rate his arm strength and defense very high. If he makes it, will he make it big? Mark Whiten clone?
A:	Jim Callis: Mallory likely will either make it big or fail big. I put him at No. 30 on the Cubs list I wrote. Great tools, but he hasn't figured out how to hit. He needs to this year.

Q:	Drew from Pittsburg asks: I love these chats! Thanks for doing them! What do you think of Phillies farmhand Vinny Christofaro? Does he have a bright future?
A:	Jim Callis: Thanks, Drew. Christofaro is very interesting. He showed a lot of velocity early last spring, got scouting directors excited, then tailed off before the draft. If he can get back up to the low 90s on a regular basis, he could be very good.

Q:	Red from Huntington Beach, CA asks: Wow you guy are making us Halo fans be patient! Can you give us a brief overview of some of the top Halo prospects (besides the obvious Kotchman)? And does Nathan Haynes have a chance of reaching Anaheim anytime soon? What does he project to in the bigs? Oh, and if you have the time, Greg Porter had a great half-season in Provo, any chance he'll drop football and take up baseball full-time? Thanks for the great job y'all do.
A:	Jim Callis: First on Porter: He doesn't have NFL potential, and I think he's done with football now. I love Casey Kotchman and think the Angels stole him with the 13th pick last June. I don't think Haynes will be up before 2003. I like a lot of Anaheim's pitchers, such as LHP Joe Torres and RHP Chris Bootcheck, though I'm not as high on RHP Bobby Jenks as others are. I want to see Jenks have some consistent success first, no matter how good his arm is.

Q:	Jeff from Indianapolis asks: Matt Bruback is a big guy (6'7")who throws hard (mid 90's) and from what I've read doesn't have any quality pitches other than his fastball. With a change to short relief is this a guy whose velocity may increase and could blossom (a la Kyle Farnsworth or Scott Chiasson)?
A:	Jim Callis: Bruback usually works at 91-93 mph but that's an accurate report. I think he may be better suited for relief, and you're right, his velocity should increase in that role.

Q:	MarlonByrdFan from San Diego asks: Is Daryle Ward really such a butcher in the field that Jason Lane could take his job this season?
A:	Jim Callis: Yes, he really is. But if Ward hits, they probably will put up with his lousy glove. My guess is that within the next year or two, Ward will be traded to fill another hole (because he belongs at first base or DH) and Lane will take over in left.

Q:	Ted Turner from Atlanta asks: The Braves organization has some interesting young pitchers. Who do you think has the best chance of becoming a front of the rotation starter to take Maddux and Glavine's spot in the rotation. Would it be Wainwright, Belisle, Evert. Also plese tell me more about Zach Miner. I can't get any of our scouts to tell me how high his ceiling is. I have heard some "experts" compare Kelly Johnson to a young Chipper. That may be a reach. What is your reaction?
A:	Jim Callis: If Matt Belisle is healthy, it's a tossup. Right now I'd rank them Adam Wainwright, Brett Evert, Belisle and say that I think Evert is one of the most underrated prospects in the minors. Miner is an impressive young sinker-slider guy, not quite at the same level as those other three.

Q:	Geoff from Fairfield, CA asks: It appears that the A's don't see Frank Menechino as the answer at 2nd base. Can you give me your opinion of Esteban German and Bobby Crosby. Who do you think has a higher ceiling? Thanks!
A:	Jim Callis: German is a classic speedy leadoff guy, but he may not be able to handle second base defensively. Crosby has much more power and is a better defender who can play shortstop. I'd rather have him in the long run, but Crosby isn't ready to play this year.

Q:	Ed Stanky from Atlanta asks: Hello Jim, Do you feel that LHP Matt Smith in the Yankee system can be better or as good as Brandon Claussen? What does his fastball consistently register? Whats your opinion on a rotation of Jason Arnold, Claussen, Smith, Manny Acosta and David Martinez, could this be as talented as the Cubs, Padres, Astros, Mariners and White Sox young pitching staffs?
A:	Jim Callis: I won't put Smith in Claussen's class yet, but I can see him jumping forward in 2002 like Claussen did in 2001. He pitches at 88-92 mph. Don't forget about Sean Henn either when you mention all that pitching talent. I'd put the Yankees in the upper echelon in terms of mound prospects, probably right behind the teams you mentioned.

Q:	Ivan Santos from Tijuana asks: I saw Vince Faison play in the Cal League Playoffs last September and he looked awesome. However, his overall numbers have not looked good since his first season. Was his performance in the playoffs an aberration or is he finally starting to learn how to hit?
A:	Jim Callis: The Padres think he's starting to live up to his potential. I'd like to see it happen over a longer period of time. He has great athleticism but hasn't shown a lot of hitting ability.

Q:	MarlonByrdFan from San Diego asks: Assuming Kazuhisa Ishii signs with the Dodgers, how much do you feel his 'personality quirks' will come into play in his adjustment to and success in the U.S. game?
A:	Jim Callis: I don't think his personality will matter, and apparently he has signed. With the exception of Hideki Irabu, the Japanese big leaguers who have come over here have been as good in the States as they were in Japan. I think Ishii will be very good immediately.

Q:	Clyde from San Diego asks: In terms of highest ceiling, how would you rank Aaron Heilman, Adam Wainwright and Boof Bonser?
A:	Jim Callis: Bonser, Wainwright, Heilman.

Q:	MarlonByrdFan from San Diego asks: How do you feel the Braves will accomodate the foursome of Rafael Furcal, Wilson Betemit, Marcus Giles and Vinny Castilla for the duration of Castilla's contract? It looks like one of the younsters is going to be pinched for playing time.
A:	Jim Callis: I think Giles will be the guy who loses out if he doesn't hit right off the bat this year. And I like Giles as a prospect.

Q:	Billy Baroo from Quagmire, NE asks: Jim, my cat Chubbs has better wheels than Jack Cust. Do the Rockies really believe he can play in their outfield? If he does, do you know a way I can take out an insurance policy on Juan Pierre's heart before it explodes?
A:	Jim Callis: I don't think the Rockies believe either Chubbs or Cust can handle their outfield. They traded for Cust because he cost them next to nothing (Brian Fuentes already was in place to replace Mike Myers) and planned to deal him again. But they've been lowballed so far and thus still have Cust. He has to DH.

Q:	Jake from Chicago asks: Should White Sox fans be as excited as Peter Gammons about Corwin Malone? Also, is this the year Joe Crede finally sticks? Thanx.
A:	Jim Callis: Yes on both counts.

Q:	Dr. M. James from Arlington Heights, IL asks: Who do you think would make a comparable major league player to Kelly Johnson? I heard one person suggest Chipper Jones, but that seems a bit extreme. Thank you.
A:	Jim Callis: It's early to compare him to Chipper, but that's what happens when you're a Braves minor league shortstop destined to move to third base. Johnson is very good and eventually could be a .300, 30-HR guy in the majors based on how he did last year.

Q:	Browning Nagle from Fiesta Bowl Record Holder, AZ asks: Jim, you're the best. Chris Tritle of the A's looks like a Super-Prospect, but he doesn't get a lot of press. What can you tell me about him? Do you see him as a 30-30 type?
A:	Jim Callis: Tritle is a very athletic player who was the MVP and top prospect in the Arizona League last year. He repeated the league after struggling in 2000, which was understandable considering the limited schedule he played as an Iowa high schooler. He does have 30-30 potential, though he's very far away right now.

Q:	Liam Gallagher from Manchester, England asks: With the Tigers heading into 2002 seemingly all to willing to hand the 5th starter slot to Nate Cornejo, how closely should his workload be watched in 2002. It certainly appears, at least externally, that Cornejo has been allowed to throw entirely too many innings at entirely too young of an age (over 200 last year at 21 (turned 22 late in the year), over 160 in 2000, nearly 180 @ 19!!), are the Tigers begging for a serious arm injury to a solid mound prospect?
A:	Jim Callis: It certainly seems that way. Though he won 20 games last year, Cornejo didn't really overpower hitters, and his workload may have been part of the problem.

Q:	FOR J from BRONX asks: Please clairfy why you didn't have Brian Lawrence in your top 100 last year and Baseball Prospectus had him 40th overall.
A:	Jim Callis: I don't want to start comparing our lists to everyone else's. I obviously believe that we do the best job and talk to more scouts and people in baseball than anyone, and we also know how to analyze numbers. As for Lawrence, I like him as much of the next guy and he had a nice big league debut, but he never was one of the top 40 prospects in the minors. I believe even the Padres would concede that. And that same list didn't have Josh Beckett on it.

Q:	Shad from Cumberland, Md asks: What are your thoughts of Pedro Liriano of the Seattle Mariners. What are you projections for him this year and his ETA on the Majors. Thanks
A:	Jim Callis: Liriano has had nothing but success as a pro, though his tools aren't exceptional. He doesn't run as well as his SB totals might indicate. Moving to high Class A will be a big test for him. Long term, I think he's behind Tim Merritt as Seattle's second baseman of the future, and the Mariners also have several shortstops who could move to second.

Q:	Deeg from San Francisco, CA asks: Hi, Jim. The Cubs personnel guru Jim Hendry seems to have a lot higher opinion of Steve Smyth than most scouts do. How good a prospect do you think Smyth is, and what's his timetable to return from shoulder surgery? Still targeting June?
A:	Jim Callis: I like Smyth too and think he can be a No. 3-5 starter in the majors. I've heard June as well.

Q:	Jim from New York City asks: Is the lack of quality position player prospects in the Mets organization an indictment of the job done by Omar Minaya, Jim Duquette, Carmen Fusco and the Met scouting staff? Or is the state of the Met farm system attributable, in part, to a policy to cut costs by drafting lower rated prospects in higher slots (see, e.g., Goeff Goetz draft, Jason Tyner draft).
A:	Jim Callis: More the latter, and also a reflection of the Mets trading away several prospects to get big league talent. Eric Cole getting killed also was a severe blow.

Q:	Dr. M. James from Arlington Heights, IL asks: Can you tell me the status of Jackson Melian? I am pretty sure he never will amount to much, but for some odd reason, people keep talking about him as if he is a star in the making. What is the deal? Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer questions.
A:	Jim Callis: I think he's falling into the category of a guy with great tools who never figured out how to hit enough.

Q:	Matt from New Hampshire asks: The Orioles and Cardinals consistently get mentioned as having the worst farm systems. Are they really worse than the Red Sox's farm system? Is that possible?
A:	Jim Callis: Yes, it is possible. The Orioles have a lot of former first-round picks who aren't panning out, and a lot of guys who have been hurt. The Cardinals just don't have much. The Red Sox are better, albeit not much better, but their best prospects are young players with a lot of upside and few obvious flaws to this point. They're so far away that there will be attrition, but Boston still has more talent than Baltimore and St. Louis.

Q:	Jeff from Albany asks: Ishii over Beckett? Why?!?
A:	Jim Callis: Beckett wouldn't be the first guy with a great arm to need some time to get acclimated to the majors, and he's not on a good team. Ishii is an established (Japanese) big leaguer, and I could see him winning 15 games with a healthy ERA.

Q:	Chris from Joliet, IL asks: Why don't we see more prospects for prospects deals like the Pena deal? I'm tired of hearing about teams talking about converting players to new positions instead, are teams really that attached to their prospects?
A:	Jim Callis: Because most trades are all about money, that's why.

Q:	Jason from Cleveland asks: Whats your take on the Indians farm system especially at the lower levels with some intresting pitching prospects mixed in with some good positional talent in Corey Smith particularly and with 7 of the first 94 picks in this years draft do you think the Indians in a few years will once again have flourishing system?
A:	Jim Callis: Yes, Cleveland is bouncing back. They're still not a top system, but they're making progress.

Q:	Dan from Miami asks: Dennis Ulacia was invited to spring training with the White Sox. How many innings do you see him getting and how do you project him for this year? Also would you be able to tell me how Juan Done ranks amongst Seattle arms? Thanks.
A:	Jim Callis: I don't really see Ulacia contributing in Chicago in 2002, though the Sox like him a lot. Done has a terrific arm but hasn't pitched much yet. The Mariners like him, but he's not one of their top guys at this point.

Q:	Dave from Seattle asks: While I'm certainly not a fan of the Orioles system and you won't see me propping up Ed Rogers, I find it interesting how people place them behind the Pirates in terms of overall talent. Pittsburgh has a wounded hurler, a struggling catcher, and a #1 pick slugging OF turned reliever. At least the Orioles have some promising left-handed starters in Stahl, Bedard, and Riley, and Beau Hale and John Stephens aren't nothing. Its not a good farm system, but its almost certainly better than the Pirates.
A:	Jim Callis: I don't totally agree with Dave, but his points are valid. The Pirates prospects have a lot of questions as well. And John Stephens remains one of my favorite minor leaguers. I like those lefties, but they need to stay healthy.

Q:	Charlie from Los Angeles asks: Colin Young had some incredible numbers at Salem last year, where does he fit into the Rockies' plans?
A:	Jim Callis: I think he's a future situational guy for them if he keeps this up.

Q:	Steve from Jacksonville asks: WHat have you heard about Jimmy Barrett of the Houston Astros. What are his prospects for this season and does Houston have any plans for him in the future.
A:	Jim Callis: Very nice arm, hit a rough stretch last year, could bounce back. He'll be in low Class A this season.

Q:	John Henry from San Diego asks: In a local newspaper today, Kevin Towers projected that Bernie Castro would be the Padres' leadoff hitter in 2004. First, is that a realistic timetable for a kid who hasn't played high-A yet. Second, what does that do to Jake the Rake, who had been projected as an offensive force at second base in a couple of years? Will Jake hit enough to play a corner outfield spot if Castro takes over 2B?
A:	Jim Callis: Hadn't seen that, and that might be a bit much. But if Kevin Towers said that, well, he obviously knows talent. I still think until he proves he can't play there, Jake Gautreau is their second baseman of the future.

Q:	Jason from Charlotte asks: Do you see Wilson Betemit starting the season at AAA or in Atlanta? Also, is he going to be a SS or a 3b? The Braves seem to have an abundance of middle infielders these days.
A:	Jim Callis: I think he'll start in Triple-A. Some scouts believe he'd be better off at third. I think the Braves initially will try him at short after investing in Vinny Castilla for some reason.

Q:	Tom from Pendleton, Ind. asks: I've not seen this mentioned, but let's have fun with a trade proposal. How about Jon Lieber for Mike Hampton. The Cubs get the lefthander they need, the Rockies get a good pitcher and cut payroll. Would you do it if you were either team?
A:	Jim Callis: The Rockies would do that in a second, and the Cubs wouldn't, because of the payroll implications.

Q:	Jason Mills from Orlando, FL asks: What is the status of last year's poster boy Josh Hamilton? What is your outlook on his 2002 season?
A:	Jim Callis: If he's healthy, I think he'll show everyone why he was the No. 1 overall pick. I could see him having a huge year if his back is fine.

Q:	Scott Boras from My Jet asks: The Cubs seem to have someone emerge from Latin America each of the last couple of seasons (98-Zambrano, 99-CruzChavez, 00-GuzmanCedeno). Which prospects are they excited about this year?
A:	Jim Callis: LHP Felix Sanchez is the guy to watch in 2001.

Q:	Tim from Toronto, ON asks: I'm now hearing talk the Jays are looking at Gabe Gross for 2003. He wasn't a name we heard a lot at draft time nor was he ever really identified as a "steal" at #15. Has his stock risen that fast already and what is your opinion of him?
A:	Jim Callis: Gross went where he was supposed to. I like him a lot and he could move very quick. He just wasn't in that upper echelon with Mark Prior and Mark Teixeira, who got most of the attention among college prospects last spring. But Gross was probably the consensus second- or third-best college batting prospect.

Q:	Brian Taubenheim from Idaho Falls, Idaho asks: Out of this next generation of AL shortstops (Antonio Perez, Angel Berroa, Ed Rogers and Erick Almonte) who has the best offensive potential?
A:	Jim Callis: Berroa and Perez. I like Almonte, too. I can take about five more questions, then I have to run.

Q:	Summer from North Carolina asks: I'm a Padres fan and I was wondering if they really will sign Matt Harrington or will he end up again not signing and, if so, would he re-enter the 2002 draft.
A:	Jim Callis: Both sides are waiting to see how Harrington throws this spring. If he doesn't sign, he'll go back into the draft.

Q:	Tim Mavor from Waldorf, MD asks: Long term potential: Gabe Gross or Casey Kotchman??
A:	Jim Callis: As mentioned, I like Gross a lot, but this is an easy one for me: Kotchman.

Q:	Brian from Idaho Falls, Idaho asks: Do you think Eric Hinske and Orlando Hudson can make significant contributions to the Blue Jays this year?
A:	Jim Callis: Yes, though I'm not convinced Hinske is really a third baseman and Hudson doesn't have a long track record of success.

Q:	Walter from Palo Alto, CA asks: Do you think that A's can really get a prospect like Blalock, or at least a top notch prospect, as a result of their case against the Rangers and their hirng of Fuson?
A:	Jim Callis: No way. That would be a joke, not that MLB isn't a joke. I'd be surprised if it was more than the loss of a draft pick, and at the very most a very minor player. But if that happens, I bet we see a lot more tampering charges flying around in the future as well.

Q:	The Doctor from East Aurora Hospital asks: Who do you think the most overrated prospect is in baseball?
A:	Jim Callis: Of the guys we ranked as No. 1 prospects, probably Nate Cornejo.

Q:	Brian Taubenheim from Idaho Falls, Idaho asks: I keep hearing Jerome Williams being compared to Dwight Gooden. Can he be that good and do you think he will pitch in the majors this year?
A:	Jim Callis: I think Williams can be very, very good. I don't think he'll pitch in the majors this year.

Q:	Steve from Seattle asks: Jamal Strong- Will he be- A)Kenny Lofton (speed and high OBP with some pop)? B)Vince Coleman (all speed and nothing else)? or C) a reserve OF who won't be a regular?
A:	Jim Callis: Last one: Strong is much closer to A than B or C. His biggest problem is he's in an organization loaded with CF candidates (Mike Cameron and Ichiro already in the majors, Chris Snelling and Shin-Soo Choo in the minors). Strong almost certainly would be a LF in Seattle, and I don't know if the Mariners will take him over Snelling or Choo in that role. I wouldn't be surprised if Seattle used him in a major trade at some point. I do like him as a prospect though. I've got to run now. Thanks for all the great questions. And look for a new Ask BA in the late afternoon or early evening.