Down On The Farm: Excerpts From Keith Law Chat

Here are some excerpts from Keith Law's chat over at ESPN on Wednesday:

John (Atlanta)

Mike Minor is striking guys out like crazy, at 13.1 per 9 innings. Is he doing anything differently, or is it more a function of being more polished than the guys he's facing? Was he ever supposed to be a big K guy?

Klaw

(1:20 PM)

Throwing harder - a good 2-3 mph harder - with the accompanying drop in command. The questions are: Can he improve his command without giving up the newfound velo? And can he maintain the velo for a full season? If the answers to both are "yes," his ceiling would jump to that of a #2 starter.

Minor certainly is moving up the prospect lists with his performance this season.

Ryan (East Lyme, (CT))

I was surprised Flores didn't make your top 25.I know he can't stay at SS but could he not be ok at a corner in the infield or outfield. His bat seems really special.

Klaw

(1:22 PM)

Has to prove he can play 3b, and while he's mashing he's also repeating the level. He was the last cut from the list, though.

KLaw posted his updated Top 25 prospect list a few days ago, and the Met's SS prospect Wilmer Flores just missed making the Top 25. Hopefully Minaya is gone before Flores is close to making it to the majors. He could hurt his growth if he calls him up too early.

Chris (Alabama)

Klaw, what is it about Mike Montgomery that keeps him out of your top 25, from a scouting perspective? It seems like he has performed well enough.

Klaw

(1:38 PM)

There have to be at least a half-dozen guys like him who were in the mix for the last few spots. Simon Castro is another. It's not that I dislike any of them; I like the upsides of the guys I listed more.

I traded for Simon Castro in the UBA league a few weeks ago. He is pitching very well in AA, although he pitches in a pitcher friendly league.

Jon (DC)

Storen or Scheppers?

Klaw

(1:39 PM)

Depends on your timeframe. The next six years? Storen. To get the guy at the plate right now? Probably Scheppers.

I drafted Storen in the UBA league earlier this year. I like how Washington is handling him by giving him the 7th inning role. Once Tyler Clippard runs out of steam, Storen could move into the 8th inning role. I can see Washington dealing closer Matt Capps in August once they feel Storen is ready to close.

eitheror (pa) [via mobile]

Can you give a scouting report on Cosart?

Klaw

(2:19 PM)

Very athletic kid with plus-plus fastball and chance for plus or better breaking ball, some feel for a changeup too. Wouldn't shock me if by year-end we were debating him as a top-ten guy.

Give the Phillies scouting director some props as he continues to find pitching prospects.