How to dominate a chat

[Cardinals]

Jake and I put on a clinic today in the Hot Sheet chat.

J.P. Starkey IV (Manchester, CT): Now that Baez has shown a little life, and Castro cooling off, any chance we see a call up at the end of the summer?

Jose Peso Starkiquez (Manchester, CT): Between O'brien, Romine & Sanchez, who do you think has the highest potential to be the starting backstop for the yankees, after McCann

Cali C. Levine (Tripod, NY): NOT on the HOT Sheet, BUT -- who gets "The Call" first -- Oscar Taveras or Gregory Polanco?

California Chrome (Belmont): Can you see the dodgers trading Kemp and bringing up Pederson anytime soon?


Cali C. Levine (Tripod, NY): Hey JJ -- big fan. Wondering if you think Baez will be a top 10 prospect by year's end, or did the poor start hurt him too much?

Cali C. Levine (Tripod, NY): You're into sim leagues? A team in my league (30 teams) has Mike Trout, Evan Longoria, Yadier Molina, Robbie Cano, Jean Segura, Yoenis "BBQ" Cespedes, Melky Cabrera, Carlos Beltran, Adam Wainwright, Dan Haren, Jeremy Hellickson... the beat goes on and on. How can I beat him!?


J.J. Cooper: Jump leagues?

Pat G. (Detroit, IBC): Tell me sweet nothings about Jorge Alfaro.

Annie LaMonica' (H's): Hey JJ, thanks for taking the time to do this. Alex Meyer has bother looked brilliant and lost this year, do we need one more year at AAA before he can be called up?

Annie LaMonica' (H's): Hey JJ, thanks for taking the time to do this. Alex Meyer has bother looked brilliant and lost this year, do we need one more year at AAA before he can be called up?

Anne LaMonica (H's): Are you worried about Mark Appel yet, or is it way too soon?

Guilia Starkey (Shea's): Sad to see Moose man sent down the minors, how temporarily is this?

Harhay (Court house): Do you think its insane to think that Gallo could possibly have 50 homerun power potential?

Jake Harris Levine (Grand Finale): Thanks again for taking the time before a long weekend. Can you tell me which 3 MILB'ers you would love to see in a homerun derby, not named Gallo.

Of the 36 questions, we managed to get 13, and 9 were by Jake. If you ever want questions answered, ask Jake for tips apparently.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/?1400860737

[Phillies]

Mohegan Starkey (Uncasville): What's more likely to happen: Joey Gallo hitting 60 MLB homeruns in a season, or me hitting back to back Hard 8's
Josh Norris: I don’t know the hard eights thing means, but Joey Gallo has potential to throw up a really, really big number in the HR column.

lol looks like you guys dominated again.

[Cardinals]

We went 28/53 today, and Stephen chimed in with two. IBC well represented at 30/53. Batting over .500!

[Phillies]

I count 25 questions between JP, Levine, Pat, and Dan.

[Pirates]

I was able to sneak in a few that you wouldn't notice...Like the one that says Lebron James...IM BACK

[Phillies]

I figured that was you since you called yourself Lebron Levine lol. I'll help out next week.

[Cardinals]

Jason "JB" Bornas (Vegas): Now that Polanco and Betts have been called up, who is the next can't miss, exciting prospect to watch?

Dan Vacek (The Couch): The Cubs say Alcanterra's promotion is only for a days, but with his spark and the way hes off to a quick start, is it possible he's here to stay for good?

K. Boz-Starkey (~~): Who is the Yankees top pitching prospect right now, and might we see them soon to make a post-ASB run?

Jô Starkey (Brazil): Who has more power potential, Bryant, Gallo or O'brien

Giulia Levine (The House): Would a minor league home run derby of Bryant, Baez and others be more exciting than the MLB HR derby?

Giulia Levine (~): Do they do a HR derby before Futures Game? They should!

LeBron James (Cleveland): I'm back!

Mohegan Starkey (Uncasville): What's more likely to happen: Joey Gallo hitting 60 MLB homeruns in a season, or me hitting back to back Hard 8's

Giulia Levine (~): How many prospects have more than 2 80-grade tools right now?

Aaron Doorman (Mississippi Riverboat): Domingo Santana struggled in his brief call up. What does he need to do in order to have success?

Levine, Starkey, Bornas, LLC (Attorneys @ Law): Who do you this will win the AL ROY - Tanaka, Springer or Abreu?

Big Pat G (Tally, FL): Are you related to Derek Norris? Do you have an 80-grade beard too?

Zywica (TX): Hypothetical (assume no contracts): Javier Baez and Alex Meyer for Felix Hernandez. Who wins going forward?

Trudy Harhay-Starkey (Innocent until Guilty): Can you tell me the top 3 catching prospects right now?

John Paul "JP" Starkey (Manchester, CT): What is your favorite MILB stadium promotion?

Giulia Levine (711): Free Slurpee day! Who is the prospect equivalent of frozen ice that, when you look at the ingredients, is nothing special, but it's a SLURPEE so it rules?

John Paul "JP" Starkey (Manchester, CT): Luis Torrens, really shot out of a cannon this week, and it seems like the Yankees are currently loaded with Catchers. Could you rank the top 5 Yankees catching prospects for me?

~ Starkey (Manchester, CT): With the Red sox basically out of contention, might we see a little taste of Owens this year, and do you think he is a #1 or more along the lines of a 2\3?

Pat Gillespeeee (Florida): Javier Baez was off to a rough start, but it looks like he's turned a corner since the promotion of Bryant. Do you think we might see a taste of him this year?

Jake 'The King' Levine (Brooklyn): In Alex Meyer's last 2 starts he went 12ip 3r 8bb & 17ks. What kept him off this week's hot sheet, was it the walks?

Jake 'The King' Levine (Brooklyn): Is Rob Refsnyder a legitimate prospect? if so, do you think the Yankees will atleast give him a shot shortly?

John Paul Levine (Manshantucket): Do you think Kevin Plawecki will be more of a 10-15 or 20-25 homerun type of guy?

DANNY LEVINE (THE TABLET): HI. WHO IS THE INDIANS BEST PROSPECT BESIDES LINDOR.

Troy Bilodeau (JT): Hey. Is Boston's system good enough to make the Red Sox World Series contenders in 2-3 years without going into free agency for big moves?

AH Jiggalo (LaMonica): With a major logjam at SS in the cubs organization..where do you long-term see, Castro, Baez, Russell playing?

Pat Gillespie (Florida): Do the Cardinals have any legit Catching prospects that could replace Yadi, while he's out?

LeBron Levine (CLEVELAND ROCKS!): Are the tides turning in Cleveland? Johnny Football, LeBron and now.... who is the next great Indians player, and when will he be in Cleveland?

Patuta G (the IBC): Sup? What is your take on Mark Appel?

[Cardinals]

Those are what Jake and I managed to get in there.

For the record, I never use my own name. So anything that has Levine in it (except for King) is me, and anything with JP or Starkey is Jake asking it.

[Astros]

I'll jump in next week. I'm not a fan of my name asking questions about prospects that aren't mine!

[Rockies]

I was able to get a couple in a few weeks ago, but only 2 out of several. If I can get reminded and I'm not busy on a friday, I'll help bombard.

[Guardians]

Glad I could help. However, I'm suing for copyright infringement. You can't use me or my likeness for your benefit...

[Cardinals]

Yawn.

Tyler Glasnow's Impatient Clone (Bradenton, FL): Am I ready to sample the tuna in Altoona?
Josh Norris: I sure think so. It’s probably time to move him up. Note: There is a mascot, Al Tuna, who comes out and dances after every home run in Altoona.

Kyle (Dallas, TX): You young'uns at BA may view older prospects differently than young ones, but Charlotte's Andy Wilkins deserved better this past week than to be completely ignored. Would you care to comment, Joshua?
Josh Norris: No, he didn’t. He’s a 25-year-old, one-tool 1B/DH in Triple-A. That’s not a prospect. The Hot Sheet is for prospects only.

Steven Alengakis (Brooklyn, NY): Does Luis Torrens have a chance to be the top prospect in the NYPL this summer? What's the word so far on Leonardo Molina who's playing in the GCL at age 16?
Josh Norris: That’s an interesting question. Assuming he gets the requisite plate appearances (almost a certainty), Torrens will probably up there for sure.

Katy Levine (Riding the Dark Horse): If you had a Dark Horse, what would you name it?
Josh Norris: Chris Melchiorre

Stacy (Paris, FR): Talking my Red Sox. If the Sox are buyers, with regard to a trade, who are the untouchables on the farm? Thanks
Josh Norris: I don’t believe in untouchables, period. If there’s a big fish on the table, and the contract situation is favorable, I’d think anybody is in play. That said, the prospects I’d want in a deal with them are obvious: Henry Owens, Mookie Betts, Blake Swihart.

Bubble Bass (Bikini Bottom): How is Dilson Herrera doing so well in double a?
Josh Norris: Because he’s good at baseball and also athletic.

satchel (las vegas): What is the latest with Daniel Carbonell? He was a hot name 2 months ago, and nothing sense?
Josh Norris: He was a hot name because he’s Cuban. That’s pretty much it. For every Yasiel Puig who comes over, there are guys like Adonis Garcia or Yadil Mujica. Who is Yadil Mujica, you ask? Exactly.

Katy Perry (Dark Horse, Levine): Who is the "Dark Horse" of this hot sheet? Aka, a prospect that is ready to shoot up an org's prospect ranks seemingly out of nowhere?
Josh Norris: Just by definition, it would have guys like Elizalde and Aquino. Most of the others are already high in org’s rankings.

Katy Levine (Fox Woods): Oy Vey. Back to back first round BLUNDERS for the Astros. Now what for Luhnow and co?
Josh Norris: It’s embarrassing for sure, but all you really can do is starting working on next year’s draft and who you’ll take with your pair of first-rounders next year (assuming nobody wins a grievance).

Tyler (Nj): Is servino just another overhyped Yankee prospect or is he for real thanks
Josh Norris: I’m the high man on him for sure. Three plus pitches in my eyes (and those of outer-org evaluator) and tore up two levels this year with a fine start in Double-A. What’s not to like?

Shannon P. (Levine, CT): Hey! What's up, BA? Thanks for the chat. I just wanted some of your thoughts on Oscar Taveras -- should the Cards send him down and get him AAA at bats??
Josh Norris: If he’s not getting regular playing time, probably. The only caveat I’d add is that perhaps the Cardinals want him to learn what it means to be a major leaguer as far as lifestyle is concerned.

Kenny Graves (Newburgh, NY): Love these chats! I have been trying to find this out and no one can give me info hopefully you guys have the resource's for a answer. Is Carlos Contreras permanently moved to the bullpen or do the Reds still see him as a reliever.
Josh Norris: From what we hear, yes, he’s a reliever from now until forever.

Z, Levine, Starkey (Firefighters): Who has the best fastball in the minors?
Josh Norris: Our Best Tools issue is coming out next issue. Check it out then for the answers to this, plus all of your other romantic queries.

Josh Norris: Our Best Tools issue is coming out next issue. Check it out then for the answers to this, plus all of your other romantic queries.

Greg Morales (Croton, NY): Nate Karns really has a live arm. Will the Rays give him a shot in the rotation or will it take a trade for that to happen. I really like his stuff.
Josh Norris: He’s wildly inconsistent, from game to game and inning to inning. Last night was his first walk-free start of the year.

Tyler (Nj): Harold ramirez hasn't broke out like I thought he was gonna time to give up on his potential?
Josh Norris: He was hurt for a good chunk of the year and he’s still 19. That’d be like giving up on an apple tree a week after planting the seeds.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): Ever seen a worse defensive play (in minors or majors) than the hatchet job of Raburn's last night?
Josh Norris: Oh man, a million times over. I recall Phillies outfielder Larry Greene not moving on a fly ball, watching it land on the warning track and giving up an ITP HR in the process. That was embarrassing.

Walter (albuquerque, NM): D-backs look like they have some serious pitching talent in the system. What does their 2017 rotation look like 1-5?
Josh Norris: Glad you asked, Walter. (I assume you are chatting covertly while waiting for Gus Fring at Los Pollos Hermanos). In our Midseason Prospect Handbook, we posited Bradley, Shipley, Blair, Anderson and Miley. You’d better go, though, I hear your brother in law is hot on your case.

Jake the Mascot (Dark Horse): What's your fav. mascot? Al Tuna?
Josh Norris: The Oregon Duck.

Tywin (King's Landing, Westeros): Is Giolito on hiatus again?
Josh Norris: Nope. He’s pitching tonight in Hagerstown. If King’s Landing is anywhere near there, you should go see him.

Bob (MN): Any idea what the Twins are doing yo-yoing Polanco up and down between the FSL and MLB? Is he a top 100 guy with a chance to be an above average regular?
Josh Norris: He’s on the 40-man, so it makes him easy to yo-yo when he needs a shortstop. Scouts who have seen him this year definitely like him. He’s got a plus glove and has a chance to hit in the big leagues.

Jeff (IL): It is of utmost importance to understand that Rodon is a monster.
Josh Norris: This isn’t a question. However, I believe he’s less a monster and more a Rodontosaur.

Marco (Pleasuretown, PA): How good is Aaron Judge?...You hear Mike Stanton Comps cause of his size but is he that kind of hitter?
Josh Norris: No. That’s not downing Judge at all. Throwing out Stanton for anyone shouldn’t be done lightly. Gallo’s the only one in the minors with that type of power.

Levine (Dorman, IN): You guys get "romantic" queries?? Huh? What kind of best tools issue is that? Competing with Playboy?
Josh Norris: Tim Meadows knows the deal.

Foxwoods Zalaski (Ledyard, CT): What do you think is more likely to happen. Giolito is a front line multiple cy young award winner, or I hit the Hard 6 twice in a row at the craps tables?
Josh Norris: The latter.

Katy P. Starkey (Tkts, NY): If you could buy tickets to see ONE minor leaguer, who would it be and why?
Josh Norris: Well, we have press credentials, but I’ll reword this into plane tickets and say, strangely, Mark Appel. I want to see what’s going wrong.

Brett Z (Trading for Days): Why the knock on Trevor Story, Didn't he basically do the same thing last year where he struggled until making adjustments by the next season...and he is 3 years younger than the league too.
Josh Norris: It’s a week-by-week thing. If he goes crazy he could get the top spot in the next hot sheet.

Mike (NY): You don't think Severino best profiles as a reliever due to his small build and delivery?
Josh Norris: No. Height isn’t a death blow. Johnny Cueto is 5-11. Tim Hudson is 6-1. Pedro Martinez was 5-11. Greg Maddux was 6-0. Tim Lincecum is 5-11.

Katy Perry (Levine, CT): You'd pick me over Tim Meadows. Admit it.
Josh Norris: Depends what I’m picking you for, Ms. Hudson.

Katy Perry (Levine, CT): better 80-grade assets -- me or Byron Buxton?
Josh Norris: Buxton

Pick Nerry (work ): After Addison Russell, I think JaCoby Jones is the best SS prospect out there. Would you say this is accurate?
Josh Norris: It is not. Mssrs. Baez, Crawford, Mondesi, Correa, Lindor, Polanco and Arcia would like to speak with you.

Scott (Pa): Best 2B prospect going forward for Braves? Lastella or Peraza?
Josh Norris: Peraza by a lot.

Shannon Starkey (Shea's): Favorite MILB team name?
Josh Norris: I’m partial to the Laredo Lemurs

Jag "Upton Here" Traylor (#PW Northwest): Assuming no contracts, I had the chance to trade Carlos Gonzalez for javier Baez and Alex Meyer. Should I have pulled the trigger?
Josh Norris: I am godawful at fantasy baseball. Case in point: I turned down a trade of Chris Davis for Matt Adams and Tanaka before this year, and failed to keep Yordano Ventura on my team.

Ellie Goulding (Starkey, CT): Me or Katy Petty?
Josh Norris: I don’t know who you are.

Josh (Philly): Is there anyone out there with Stanton comps (maybe a healthy Sano)?
Josh Norris: Not really. Joey Gallo is the closest in terms of the power.

Chris (KC): Best SS prospect in 2016?
Josh Norris: For my money, Correa, if he’s still in the minors, then Crawford.

Romantic Levine (The Chapel): If you could put a ring on any prospect because he's just that good, who would it be? This is a romantic query.
Josh Norris: What kind of ring? Like a ring pop. They all deserve one. PolygYUMMY!

Larry R. (Ohio): I don't seem to hear much about the Astros' Tony Kemp. What are your thoughts on him and his MLB future?
Josh Norris: I like this guy. He’s got one real tool, but it might get him to the majors.

Chrash (Hoboken): Ellie Goulding is really hot, ok?
Josh Norris: I still don’t know who she is.

Bold = me
Italics = Jake
Underline = Nick or Stephen

Solid showing. Who knew Katy Perry was a BA fan?

[Guardians]

Solid productivity at work, gents. Good showing.

[Yankees]

I was happy to be so well represented.

[Cardinals]

Solid productivity at work, gents. Good showing.

I can multitask

[Mariners]

You guys are killin' me, using my name.........

[Mariners]

That must have been Jake, hell if I knew I could get Felix for that package, you bet I would have pulled the trigger, twice!

[Cardinals]

Turned that one into another sandbox.

Bold = me
Italics= Jake
Underline = d'Esterhazy

Josh Norris: Good afternoon. It's a lovely day, the minor league season is winding down for another year, and now it's time to chat about prospects. Let's go.

Aaron Dorman (Casino Queen): Looking back, who was the most exciting MILB player you saw play this year?


Josh Norris: This is a great question, and I've certainly seen a great deal of games and players this year between college, showcases and the minors. Joey Gallo was certainly up there because of his sheer raw power, but I knew what to expect going in. With that in mind, I'll say Tim Anderson. I'd only seen him a little before, but he put on a show earlier this year at Winston-Salem hitting balls with authority to all sectors, and showing athleticism in the field and on the bases. He's rehabbing an a fractured wrist right now, but should be back if the Dash make the playoffs and could head to the Arizona Fall League.

JP Starkey (Rection, CT): As the season is coming to a close, who is your favorite to win MILB player of the year?


Josh Norris: For me, it's Kris Bryant. Joey Gallo has an argument, but Bryant has been outstanding for Day One to Day One Hundred.

LaBella & LeRoy, etc. (Gorilla Pit): What do we make of Peter O'Brien? He was killing the ball, but ever since the trade he has kind of stalled out.


Josh Norris: He hasn't really stalled out. Has been on the DL for the last couple of weeks. Only got four games or so with Mobile.

Kyle (Miami, FL): Despite his lost season, would you consider Buxton to be baseball's #1 prospect, or has Bryant passed him?


Josh Norris: We ranked him at No. 1 in our midseason update, and I'd keep him there.

Harhay, Grantham, Bozzi, LLC (CT): Any chance we see Norris in Toronto, out of the pen come September?


Josh Norris: Based on the they've moved him so quickly, I think that's the way it's trending.

Susan Grantham (UHA): What do you think of Baez's first crack of chicago, what we predicted? High Strikeout, High Power?


Josh Norris: Oh yeah. He's gonna swing and miss a lot, and hit a lot of balls very hard. This is the Javier Baez playbook for sure.

Josh Norris: Meanwhile, I just mentioned that Tim Anderson could be with the Dash for a playoff run. Wrong. He just got promoted to Double-A Birmingham.

Frank (Queens, NY): We hear a lot about Syndergaard and the countdown to his callup, but what about Matt Bowman? Did he get any votes to make this week's Hot Sheet, and what are your thoughts on him in general?


Josh Norris: First, there is no voting involved in Hot Sheet. Second, I saw Bowman a couple of weeks ago in Richmond, and he was generally unspectacular. Threw strikes with four pitches, worked quickly, but no real plusses in the repertoire. If he doesn't hit his spots, he'll get hit.

Mike (Virginia): What were your first impressions after seeing Manny Margot the other night?


Josh Norris: I got a very bad look at him. He was overaggressive at the dish at times, took some ugly hacks at others, and loafed his way into an out on the bases. Short, catchable fly to shallow right, it dropped. He jogged to first, then when it dropped he kicked it into gear toward second but was out.

Dan (Rochester NY): Is my city going to see Sano or Buxton next year, or double-a for both?


Josh Norris: I think you'll get a look at both at some point next year.

Jeremy (Minnesota): Do you think Buxton and Sano are suspects, not prospects? They are tremendously overrated.


Josh Norris: This is categorically false. Both are among the best prospects in the sport.

Mike (Virginia): Who has more upside: Henry Owens or Eduardo Rodriguez?


Josh Norris: I'm going to go with Rodriguez here. I got a very good look at him the other day in Richmond, and what I saw was very good. A good hard fastball up to 96 mph with excellent plane and life coupled with a sharp slider and a solid changeup. He was aggressive in the zone and on the inner half. Owens is good, but there are questions about the quality of his breaking ball and his ability to command the fastball within the zone.

Ryan (Minnesota): Why BA writers are high on Jose Berrios? He is a undersized pitcher and fly-ball pitcher.


Josh Norris: Because we people talk to about him have positive things to say and he's put up the numbers to match.

Kevin (New York): Josh, are scouts still high on Maikel Franco?


Josh Norris: Last I talked to them about him, yes. He's 21 and in Triple-A. It's going to take time for sure, but there are still questions about his approach.

Shannon S. (Shea's): What prospect on this hot sheet will have the biggest impact on the stretch run?


Josh Norris: Just looking at this week's sheet, I'd say it's probably Taijuan Walker and Andrew Heaney, just because their teams are closest to being in the hunt for a playoff spot. Mariners are 1/2 game out of the second wild card spot, and the Fish are just four back. Side note: I love the second wild card.

S D'eh (Cali Chrome): So far who is this years most disappointing player(s)?


Josh Norris: I'd say that's Mark Appel by a longshot. Historically bad results for a No. 1 overall pick.

Jake L. (The Gateway Arch): Should I be worried about the Cubs in a year or two, as a Cardinals fan?


Josh Norris: Very much so. Their collection of talent is unrivaled throughout the sport.

Jake L. (Dewing the Dew): Sup?


Josh Norris: Just chatting about ball. You?

Brett (Brigantine): Will Dilson Herrera be ready to make the jump to the big leagues start of next year? Or does he still need another half season of seasoning before being called up?


Josh Norris: I think Daniel Murphy is still your second baseman come next year. He's not a free agent until after next year, and Herrera could use some more seasoning.

Frank (Neilsvill): Who do you think are the best future closers in the majors/minors?


Josh Norris: I'm a big fan of Kenny Giles as a future closer in Philly. Derek Law with San Francisco has a mid-90s heater and a hammer breaking ball. Hunter Strickland with San Francisco was up to 99 when I saw him with a solid slider.

P "Tulip" Tullar (Bishop, Canada): How can the president of the Phillies say Amaro's job is not on the hot seat? When is the last time the RAJ did something good for Philly?


Josh Norris: Regardless of his performance as a GM, I think it's just bad form for an owner to come and say publicly that the GM could be fired, regardless of what he actually believes.

Ben (TX): Nice to see Norris #1 this week. Is their another team in baseball that has 3 young pitchers with the ceiling of Norris, Sanchez and Hoffman? That does not even include names like Stroman and Hutchison in the ML or Osuna and Reid-Foley in the minors. Thanks.


Josh Norris: That's a pretty good trio, for sure. The Rockies have a nice trio in Gray, Butler and Freeland. That group might stack up with Toronto.

mike miller (harrison nj): who is responsible for teaching the batting stance with hands held high above the shoulder? It is killing batting averages! Old TIme Greats held the bat head near the strike zone where the ball comes. Hold Hands Low! ty ty ty


Josh Norris: There's always a coach out there on the Internet. Always.

Sean (Mass): Of all the top prospects , who can you see opening 2015 in the majors and contributing the most consistently?


Josh Norris: I could see Kris Bryant filling this role.

T. Bilodeau (Levine, NY): As a Red Sox fan, what should I think about the Castillo signing? I know he is not on the Hot Sheet, but wow!


Josh Norris: You should be excited. Your player development group is very good. He's an excellent addition to an already enviable group of prospects.

Shannon Starkey ("Potato"ville): what's your favorite ballpark to watch a game at this time of the year?


Josh Norris: Around here, I'm partial to Winston-Salem. It's a great park, sparkly new and shiny. The 90-minute drive is a little taxing, but the view and background are perfect for video work.

J "Honey" Hamlin (Perryman, Texas): Do scouts favor the hit or power tool more? It seems that players with power can learn to hit but have a larger fail rate, but those that can hit but have no power never really go anywhere unless you are playing a position up the middle.


Josh Norris: Big power from a hitter is a lot like big velocity from a pitcher. If you have it, you're going to get a lot more chances than someone with more pedestrian skills.

Scollard Greens (Tubby, RI): How come the nats have not promoted Giolito to AA this year, yet?


Josh Norris: Well, they haven't promoted him to high Class A yet, either, so there's that.

Scollard Greens (Tubby, CT): whats your all-time favorite ballpark food?


Josh Norris: Believe it or not, I don't eat ballpark food all that much, but ... I will say this: When I covered Trenton my favorite food there was Cal Ripken brand beef jerky. There were three flavors and I loved them all. Sadly, and predictably because my taste in food is weird (I like salsa on popcorn and matzo and I don't eat cheese), Cal Ripken jerky seems to have gone the way of the Dodo and Carly Rae Jepsen.

J "Honey" Hamlin (Perryman, Texas): How long will it take before we run though this era of pitchers getting TJ so early in life, obviously some of the effects started in HS, so now that everyone is aware can we expect better advice for developing arms to reduce injuries in the next 5 years or so?


Josh Norris: I don't think anybody has any concrete idea of how to stop this wave of Tommy John surgeries. There doesn't seem to be one overlying variable. Heck, it's not even just a pitching thing anymore — Miguel Sano, Matt Wieters, Mac Williamson.

Yahtzee! (Levine, NY): What prospect on this week's list has the loudest hit tool?


Josh Norris: Addison Russell

[Cardinals]

Same drill

Me= bold
Jake=italics
Stephen =underline

15/29 for Jake and I, 17/29 if we throw Stephen in there. Not bad for the last chat of the year.

Josh Norris: All the chatters gonna chat, chat, chat, and I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake it off.

11. (eeeeeeeeleven): It's 1:11 as im writing this, anyway.....Where is Tyler Glasnow on this list, are we tired of seeing him on the hot sheet every week?


Josh Norris: It is 1:27 as I am typing this. Mr. Glasnow had many strikeouts (17) this week, but he also allowed six earned runs in 11 innings. This is not Hot Sheet-worthy.

Chris (Myrtle Beach): What can you tell me about Michael De Leon of the Rangers? What is his potential?


Josh Norris: He's a 17-year-old with incredible skills defensively and great makeup. He puts the bat on the ball, but he needs to get stronger before he makes an impact. But he's worth getting excited about.

Craig (San Diego, CA): What can we expect from Fredrick's Steven Brault? Pitched very well in LowA, and continued success in his first taste of the Carolina league. What's his future projection? Obviously the focus is on Balt SP Prospects: Harvey, Gausman, and Bundy for good reason, but does Brault have the potential to slot in at the end of the future rotation? 1) Bundy 1A) Harvey, 3) Gausman, 4) Tillman, and 5)Brault?


Josh Norris: He's a fringy type prospect. Four average to below-average pitches who throws across his body and vaults over his front leg. Doesn't belong in the discussion with Harvey, Gausman, Bundy etc.

#JPsFirstFlight (Airport): If you were to have a homerun derby right now, what 3 MILB players would you invite not named Gallo?


Josh Norris: Kris Bryant, Steven Moya, Matt Olson

Shannon R. S. (117, VA): Which prospects are you looking forward to seeing in the AFL the most?


Josh Norris: I'll go with guys I haven't seen before: Mark Appel, C.J. Edwards, Archie Bradley, Wei-Chung Wang, Justin O'Conner, Matt Olson, Daniel Robertson, Dan Vogelbach.

Nils (Shake Shack): Has Steven Moya's approach improved enough this year that you would say his immense power could play at the MLB level in the future?


Josh Norris: With an 8-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio this year, I'd say he has some work to do.

rob (wathena, ks): Take Buxton out of the equation due to injuries, Who is the next Mike Trout in the minors? Is there one?


Josh Norris: No. Mike Trout is the rarest of birds, a generational player. There isn't another one in the minors. There won't be another one like him for a long time.

Big Jake (The Arch): I'm going to St. Louis this weekend! Favorite Nelly song, and which Cubs prospect should I look more forward to -- Baez or Soler???


Josh Norris: Enjoy them both man. Baseball love can be polyamorous.

Big Boi Jake (Club, NY): Yo whos gonna hit more career home runs -- G. Stanton, M. Trout or J. Soler???


Josh Norris: I'll say Stanton and feel very safe in my prediction.

#JPdoesSTL (Missouri): What do you think about a skills competition at the All-Star game? Wouldn't it be fun to watch Bourjos and B-Hamilton shag flys?


Josh Norris: I have been on this idea for year. I want to see a catcher throw off, maybe a 60-yard dash, a Puig vs. Cespedes vs. Reddick throw off, stuff like that. It can't all be home run derby.

Formerly the Smasher (Canada): Can Dan Norris surf his way into the Jays rotation and fans hearts as early as next year?


Josh Norris: I think he can surf his way into the bullpen in a few days, and probably have a shot at the rotation next year.

Pat "the G" (Failing): So who wins the minor league MVP this year?


Josh Norris: If there were such an award, I'd think it'd be unanimous for Kris Bryant. His season is pretty much unimpeachable.

Taylor Swift (Levine, MO): my new song is No. 1! Who is your No. 1 prospect after this year??? is it still Bryon??


Josh Norris: He was still No. 1 in our midseason update, and probably still will be come Top 100 time, especially if he has a good showing in the Fall League.

Not Jake Levine (Not NY): Glenn Sparkman. That's a 70-grade name. thoughts?


Josh Norris: Nah. Not even close to a 70-grade name. Glenn is very ordinary. Sparkman is whatever. Sicnarf Loopstok is the gold standard.

tatum (Las vegas): Josh, What organization has the most minor league arms, ready to take an MLB mound in 2104/2015? Hou? Bos? thanks


Josh Norris: Boston would be on the top of my list. Henry Owens, Anthony Ranaudo, Matt Barnes and Brian Johnson all could see time in The Fens next year.

Formerly the Smasher (Canada): Ok, you're 18 years old. Which earns you a bigger signing bonus, an 80 fastball or 80 power? (regardless of all other tools.)


Josh Norris: If I were the one handing out the money, give me the guy with the 80-power. All these Tommy John surgeries have me a bit gun-shy.

Cw (Houston): Everyone keeps saying how great Mike trout is. He is putting up descent number this year, but he isn't dominating the league. I have yet to see this once in generation player.


Josh Norris: You aren't looking hard enough.

Shannon S. (117): Who is the Yankees' best prospect, and how good is Brady Lail?


Josh Norris: We put Luis Severino in the top spot in midseason, and I see no reason he'll move out of that spot when Top 30s are released. Lail is an intriguing arm with a pair of good offspeed offerings. He'll probably find his way onto the top 30.

MJ (Chicago): Has Franco redeemed himself over the past two months? Or did his awful start knock him down a few ticks from what people expect him to become?


Josh Norris: Some opinions changed, but I think it's really foolish to sell a guy who's 21 years old after a few tough months at a league where the pitching is far more advanced.

David (Selkirk, MB): Can Cleveland's Jose Ramirez be a starting IF for the Indians?


Josh Norris: With Chisenhall, Lindor (soon) and Kipnis already there, it's not likely.

Nate H (Finger to the Sky): There was recently an article released ranking stadiums and their offerings of beer...any preference on stadium or beer for you?


Josh Norris: I don't drink, so no preference there, but I love me some Camden Yards and Safeco Field. Citizens Bank Park is pretty awesome too.

Jake's Richard (Moldy South): Who has the best change up in the minors?


Josh Norris: That title belongs to Mr. Henry Owens.

Jake's Oui Oui (South): Who's the best Pirates prospect?


Josh Norris: Tyler Glasnow

Jack Bauer (CTU): Greg Bird seems to be showing a lot more power in the EL than he did in the FSL, but a little less of everything else (avg, walks, etc). How do you regard him as a prospect and what kind of player can he ultimately become production/stats-wise? Thanks.


Josh Norris: I think he's in the top 10 in the Yankees system. The power and batting eye are legit and I'm impressed with how quickly he's been able to acclimate to Double-A. Very intrigued to get a look at him in the Fall League.

Shannon R. S. (117, VA): The bigger treat -- going to spring training, or going to the AFL?


Josh Norris: For me, it's Arizona Fall League. It's like two Futures Games a day. I'll be out there again this year, with also a ton of time in the instructional league as well, where it's basically spring training and you get a look at a bunch of 2014 draft guys and July 2 signees.

Nils Erickson - Dillon (IBC LEAGUE - USA): Who do you like in the long term behind the dish,Blake Swihart or Kyle Schwarber?


Josh Norris: If we're gonna say behind the dish, Swihart. He's extremely athletic and has great arm.

Stevie D'Asterhuzy (Sacramento): Who are you looking forward to seeing most, once the rosters expand on Sept 1?


Josh Norris: Joc Pederson and Daniel Norris come to mind.

Dorman, Zalaski, Vacek (Professional Eaters): What can we expect from Dilson Herrera, and if he exceeds expectations will it open up trade talks for Murphy next year?


Josh Norris: Might I suggest this article from our Vince Lara-Cinisomo? http://www.baseballamerica.com/fantasy/ ... n-herrera/