Q: Matt from Houston, Tx asks:How good of a prospect is Alex Liddi? He's a pretty god natural athlete and is very advanced for someone out of Europe at his age. Where (if) would he rank in the top 30?
A: Jim Callis: Everything Matt says is true. He's a very interesting guy, but also very far away from the majors. He intrigues me, but I have him in the 21-30 range until we see more from him. He's still very raw.
Q: Phil Duryea from Seattle asks:Where does Matt Tuiasosopo fit into the Mariners future? Also what is your feeling on 2006 16th rounder
Austin-Bibens Dirkx he seemed to have a good debut.A: Jim Callis: The Mariners are still high on Tuiasosopo, but he has to develop a lot more at the plate before he'll be ready to hit in the majors. There's still a lot of upside there, but not a huge likelihood that he'll reach his ceiling. Bibens-Dirkx has a lot of life on his sinker-slider combo and could become a setup man one day.
Q: Warren from Texas asks:I understand why Michael Saunders was not in the top 10, but does he make the top 20? What are his long-term prospects? Thanks for the chat!
A: Jim Callis: He just snuck onto the list at No. 30. He's a lot like Tuiasosopo in that Saunders has a lot of physical ability but has a long, long ways to go.
Q: Jack B. from Seattle asks:It doesn't seem like many of the Mariners' top picks turn out very well. Since A-Rod, you could say maybe Meche has done well, but not great. And, they've used their top picks for what many might call reaches (like Garciaparra). Is there a reason or explanation for what seems pretty systemic? It never seems the Ms really develop any above-average players -- their best players come via free agencytrade or are signed from overseas at a relatively mature state (Betancourt, Ichiri, Jojima, Felix).
A: Jim Callis: Good question. For years, the Mariners lost a lot of premium picks as free-agent compensation, but recently they've played so poorly that their top choices have been protected. The picks they've made, most of them haven't worked out well, and you're right, they've done much better internationally. The Mariners probably have the highest ratio of time and money spent internationally vs. domestically in recent years, so that's probably the biggest reason.
Q: Alexander from Wisconsin asks:Thanks for the great chat. Other than Buter and Tillman, who are other players that may play for Wisconsin in the midwest league. Thanks a lot.
A: Jim Callis: Carlos Triunfel, who signed for $1.3 million out of the Dominican this summer, is so advanced that he may make his pro debut at Wisconsin. Other possibilities, in no particular order: C Adam Moore, 3B Alex Liddi, INF Chris Minaker, OF Greg Halman, LHP Tony Butler, LHP Steve Uhlmansiek, RHP Chris Tillman, RHP Doug Fister, RHP Ricky Orta, RHP Kam Mickolio. Could be an interesting club.
Q: Jonathan Quayle Higgins III from Honolulu, HI asks:Tony Butler looks like a great pick. Who would you compare him to in the majors? Will he challenge for some strikeout crowns in the future? (Note, a guy picked him in my fantasy league this year and this guy never misses)
A: Jim Callis: Butler is good and looks like one of the steals of the 2006 draft, but I don't see him as a future strikeout leader. I'm terrible on comps . . . Maybe Scott Olsen?
Q: Jason from Texas asks:Does Kam Mickolio fit in your top 20 prospects for the Mariners and do you see the M's pushing him through the system fast due to his age?
A: Jim Callis: Mickolio just missed the Top 30. I don't think they'll rush him too much because he's not very consistent at this point. Sometimes looks great, other times somewhat clueless. He'll need some time.
Jim Callis thinks that the Rattlers could be an interesting club? Get your tickets now! Full Season, Mini-Package, or Holiday Package! Come on out!
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