Baseball Prospectus - Chat with Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects

Chat: Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects

Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Tuesday June 25, 2013 1:00 PM ET chat session with Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects.

Jason takes your questions about the newly released list.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I have two hours before I need to leave for a game, so I'll pack in as much #want as possible. Thanks for stopping by. Please leave your pants by the door.

James (Morgantown): Who do you think ends up the better MLB pitcher between Cole and Taillon? There is a growing belief amongst Pirate prospect fanatics (yes, we are a thing, and we fraternize on dork blogs) that Taillon is the better bet. Who ya got? Hopefully both of them can become 1s or at least one a 1 and one a 2?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Cole. He will end up a better major league player than he was a minor league prospect.

ballzov (Toronto, Canada): If TINSTAAPP, why are top prospect lists full of them?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Because TINSTAAPP is stupid. I love pitching prospects. They are very real.

John Stamos (Fire Island): Join me, won't you?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Oh, hell yes. I'll bring my Kokomo cassette-single; you bring your face.

Steve (Bayshore): Hi Jason, Thank you for the chat. Where would Kris Bryant have slotted were he signed by the Cubs. I assume he'd be in the top 50 (giving the Cubs 4 players in the 50), which sounds pretty good. Too bad they don't have any pitchers on the list, but I can't complain because they appear to have a good crop of positional prospects in the wings.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Bryant would be in the ~25 range

ColinMac (Houston): You said the Astros' Foltynewicz has questions about his long term role. How serious are those questions as he is only 21 and at AA?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He doesn't have big projections on the secondary stuff, although a few sources think the breaking ball can become above-average. He throws over 100 mph without a true step-forward secondary offering, so its not a stretch to put him in the bullpen box.

Mike (Oakland): Are you still as high on Addison Russell as you were pre-season?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He's ranked him #11, so I would hope so.

Craig (SoCal): If this list went to 100, would Robbie Erlin make the cut?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Probably not

jharrison3 (Illinois): What's the seperator between Almora and Baez for you?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Not much. I think Baez has special tools, the kind that superstars have. Correa is a very nice player with a very high ceiling, but Baez is the home run of the two. Correa, despite being much younger, is actually the safer bet (in my opinion) to reach his potential.

Stros (Houston): Where does Appel rank among all RHP in the minors?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: You can check out the list right here: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21024

Marco (Overseas): Is Joc Pederson a top 50 caliber prospect or he's not even in discussion?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Top 101 is more likely.

ironcityguys (Pittsburgh): Any concern about Oscar Tavares' 1st half in 2013? Will we see him in St. Louis this year?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He's been injured and looks to be back on the shelf again. They don't have to rush him back, but a healthy Taveras could impact the major league club later in the season.

bcransom (CA): Will Corey Seager be a top 25 prospect by the end of the year?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: If he proves to the doubters that he is destined to stay at SS, yes. Will that happen? I'm not sure. I've seen him play shortstop and I saw I really, really good third baseman, not a true ML caliber SS.

Jonah (Redwood,CA): Kevin Gausman or Kyle Zimmer, who has the better carer?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Gausman.

gphelp77 (Chicago): Is Brad Miller a first division player, and does he have some all-star possibility for a few years?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I don't really see either. Major leaguer, no doubt. I'm a fan of watching him play, but I don't see an all-star type.

ddriver80 (Winnipeg): Do you see Jonathan Singleton getting the callup anytime soon?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I don't see any reason for the Astros to start his clock.

Larry (St. Paul): Outside of Appel/Gray/Bryant, how close were other 2013 draftees from the list? Was Kohl Stewart considered?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I wanted to rank both Stewart and Frazier, but couldn't justify putting them over players already in the minors and finding success. They will both be on the list very soon.

Mike (Oakland): No Sonny Gray? A few weeks ago, he was hyped here as a near-ready potential #2 starter. Was he close?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I didn't make that claim, so he wasn't that high on my list. Originally, I think we had him in the ~40 range, but I slowly peeled him off because I question the likelihood that he reaches a #2 ceiling.

cqb0316 (San Diego): Where would you rank Austin Hedges?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: #13 in the world

Kyle (Maine): Would Webster have made the list if he were eligible?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: No. Just outside the 50

Psychedelic (Austin): So Julio Urias has legit #1 potential? He seems very advanced for his age of course, but is anyone worried about his body? At 5'11 that's not very projectable, though you did say its more like 6'1. Could he pitch in the majors as a teenager?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He's actually 6'1'', not 5'11'', so he's more physical than people realize. Sitting 91-95; feel for both CB and CH. He could be very, very good. Not sure of the ceiling yet, but its big.

Corey (NYC): WHERE IS LEWIE BRINSON, JOEY GALLO AND JORGE "THE LEGEND" ALFARO. THEY MASH!

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: THEY DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT

Jbscoop (Jbscoop@me.com): What's up with Bubba Starling?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Lots of tools; big-time athlete; not a natural hitter and I don't think that is something you can just learn.

Alex (Kansas): Are you concerned with how hittable Zimmer's fastball is?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Yes. Excellent velocity but it catches a lot of the plate and hitters seem to pick it up early.

Ricker (STL): Will Kolten Wong be a Cardinal after 7/31?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I hope so.

Luca (Italy): What do you think about Eddie Butler? Real break-out prospect or just SSS?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I know of one "talent evaluator" that dislikes Butler with a passion, but the rest of the people I know like him very much and pushed for him to be in the top 50. The ceiling isn't frontline, but the stuff is very good, so the floor (as a reliever) is high.

Chris (LA): Will Addison Russell's first MLB game come before or after August 1, 2014?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: This is a great question. My answer is no, but if we assume he starts the 2014 season in AA and rakes, man, there is a chance.

Mario66 (Pittsburgh): Which five players currently in the minors have the highest ceiling?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Byron Buxton, Oscar Taveras, Javier Baez, Archie Bradley, Jorge Alfaro (hard to name five)

Tom (TX): It has been said Appel could be a #1 starter, but how probable is it that he gets there? What would hold him back?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I don't see him developing into a number one starter, but I do think the floor is only a few feet below that as a quality 2/3 type.

Eric (Scottsdale, AZ): What does Bradley's command and third pitch look like at this point?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Command has improved, but has work to do. He throws two types of fastballs, a knuckle CB and CH. The CH is still a work in progress, but he has an excellent feel for pitching and a crazy work ethic, so its going to develop into something.

richardkr34 (Saint Paul, MN): Complete this SAT-type analogy: Archie Bradley is to Corey Feldman as Kyle Zimmer is to...?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: A kid that was once thought to be Corey Haim that turned out to be a sibling of Nick Lachey.

cormican (Raleigh): Jason, I'm somewhat surprised to see Carlos Tocci on the firnges of the top 50. I'm impressed he's holding his own in full season ball at 17, but what do you think is his ultimate potential?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Any 17-year-old that can hold their own in a full-season league impresses me. I think he needs to add strength without losing tools, but I think he makes it happen. He's a gifted player.

Josh (Kansas): Does Arismendy Alcantara make the top 100?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He might. He will be in the mix, I assume.

Josh (Kansas): Could the Cubs top the Organizational rankings after the trade deadline or are the Cards way above everyone else?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: They won't top the Twins. They could top the Pirates if they decide to go for the post-season by trading from an extremely deep system. Cubs are definitely in the top 5 of all farm systems, and after the music stops this season, they could easily find themselves sitting comfortably in the top 3.

James (Morgantown): What ultimately leads you to believe that Lindor will be the better all around player than Baez? Who has the lower floor between the two?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Baez has the ceiling, but Lindor has the floor. He [Lindor] is the superior defensive player and has a much better all-around approach to the game.

Mario66 (Pittsburgh): Regarding your post in the comments, what is Martin Perez doing differently now to warrant being hypothetically ranked in the 40s?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: In the minors, he was once again shoving it like he did this ST before the injury.

Kevin Goldstein (Houston): I think you rank Byron Buxton so high, he is good, but not better than Carlos Correa , Xander Bogaerts and Francisco Lindor. I meant that you overrated Byron Buxton because he didn't hit for power yet.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: You mad, bro?

Josh (Newark): A healthy Dylan Bundy ranks ____ on the mid-season top 50.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: A healthy Dylan Bundy would probably be in the majors.

The Ghost of Kevin Goldstein (Floating around DeKalb): You get to pick one pitcher and one batter from this top-50 to build your franchise around. Who are they?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Byron Buxton and Archie Bradley. Didn't even have to think about it.

AJ (Phoenix): While all of the pitchers on the top 50 have high ceilings, which pitchers on the list have the highest floors? Taillon comes to mind.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Bradley, Wacha, Appel, Taillon

Sara (Tacoma): When reading on Jonathan Gray, I was struck by the phrase: "[L]ow starting point on list because of questions about future role." I have only ever heard of him being a starter, and one with frontline potential at that. Were you suggesting he has a future role in the bullpen, or did I misinterpret that?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: It's possible. I know several scouts that didn't like his mechanical profile, his pop-up velocity, and his overall approach to pitching, and put the bullpen label on him. The game changes at the pro level, though. Evaluation to be re-examined

izzy2112 (New York): Cesar Puello has been dominant, but given his approach and track record, there is reason to be skeptical. If he keeps it up, where do you see him ranking by this offseason?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Mist likely on the suspended list

izzy2112 (New York): Why did Polanco make such a jump? He obviously succeeded at a higher level, but he doesn't seem like he broke out on a statistic level. Did the scouting reports change?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Very good tools. Legit feel for the game; makes adjustments; has a very god all-around approach, and the production has been well above average given his age and level. It's legit. He's a major leaguer.

Mark (Washington ): I was surprised that Anthony Ranaudo was excluded from the list. What is your view of him?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: It appears he has returned to his previous form, but the health issues of the past are also a part of the question marks of the present. Can he stay healthy?

Your Doctor (NY): Jason, After seeing you rank Julio Urias at 41, I'm going to prescribe you some pills to treat your extreme case of Shiny New Toy Syndrome. Urias has been impressive in a small sample size in LoA, but last year Kyle Crick was arguably more impressive over a full season in LoA, with a higher K/9 and not giving up a single earned run in June. I know Urias is just 16, but it's almost as if Crick (and other US teenagers) are being penalized for being born in the US and therefore not eligible to succeed as early as some of their international counterparts. Also, the pills have been know to treat syphilis too, in case that means anything to you.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I'm not interested in the debate over LA signees and Rule 4 signees. Urias is on the list because his talent puts him on the list. I'm not some blogger using Google to compare players. I talk to people in the game, and if the reports on Urias weren't legit, I wouldn't have ranked him where I did. He's a 16-year-old 6'1'' lefty who is missing more than a bat an inning at the full-season level. If you don't think that's a legit prospect, you might need to invest in some pills of your own.

milby (SF): Rymer Liriano - sneaky pick to come roaring back with the fury of a thousand #wants?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I will never discount Liriano. The kid works very hard and knows how to fail and adjust.

Michael Jordan (Chicago ): #Dunks

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: .

Mike (USA): Do you think Archie Bradley will be called up this year before September?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I can see a call-up but not before September.

James (Cali): Where would you rank Zach Lee in?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He was in the debate for the top 50; most likely in the 60-75 range.

redguy12588 (Pittsburgh): Remember when Hanson was a better prospect than Polanco? What would it take for Hanson to jump into the top 50?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I remember when some people thought he was, yes. Hanson was very close to the top 50; excellent bat. I think he's a 2B, but a hit tool second baseman that should find a home as a major league regular.

David W (Atlanta): Mr. Parks - thanks first & foremost for heading up BP's amazing prospect coverage. Your work is indespensible. I was hoping you could shed some light as to the relative lack of prospect love for Domingo Santana. The kid had a 900+ OPS last year as a 19 year-old at High-A & PECOTA hung the exact same three comps on him as Miguel Sano in the annual. What gives?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Thanks. I think people fear the swing and miss in his game and how that will play against better pitching. He doesn't make a lot of contact. Honestly, I never look at PECOTA and I really don't care about those comps. They don't work for me. Santana is like Sano because of the big raw power, but he isn't on the same level as a prospect and I don't really like the comp.

Behemoth (Scotland): Is Taijuan Walker the sort of guy who'll have to do quite a lot of his learning in the bigs, because his current arsenal is more than enough to take care of AA/AAA hitters?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I think he needs more MiLB seasoning, but yes, he will have to learn how to fail at the highest level and adjust. Big league hitters won't be as fooled by the bug curveball, and if he tries to elevate on them he won't like the result. He's going to be very, very good, but he has a long way to go before he reaches the ceiling.

ttt (Manhattan): I can't believe you didn't rank my team's prospect higher! Come on! I think it's because you hate my team!

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I've been getting this all day, and not from fans....from teams.

gsd (Philly): not sure if these rumors are true, but anyway phillies pry bradley jr, bogarts, and workman from sox for pap?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: If the Red Sox give up Bogaerts and Bradley for a fucking reliever, I will resign from Baseball Prospectus and become a naked crazy person in the town of your choosing. That seems like an absolutely ridiculous rumor.

tonynelson19 (MN): Who has been more disappointing this year: Billy Hamilton or Bubba Starling?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Bubba Starling. Hamilton was always overrated because speed is easy to see and appreciate.

justarobert (Santa Clara, CA): Which list did you enjoy doing more, the top 101 or the midseason top 50, and why?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I enjoy the process of asking questions and debating players, so I love the construction of the list. I don't enjoy the actual product because I'm always wanting to change it, and the nature of the work leads to emotional responses from fans, which can be awesome but can also be very antagonistic and personal.

Scott (NY): what is Adalberto Mondesi's potential and did he crack your top 50?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Fist-division potential; he made the list.

Marvin (Chi-town): Are you at all concerned with Bradley's somewhat doughy build?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Archie Bradley? Um, he doesn't have a doughy build at all. That dude is chiseled.

dianagram (Scrabble Central): Is Stetson Allie, the first base version, someone to keep tabs on at all?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I don't think it happens, but I'm gladly admit to being wrong about him.

David Hasselhoff (Santa Monica): Best #rig in the Minors?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Sano

redguy12588 (Pittsburgh): What team takes prospect rankings the most personally?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I won't answer for obvious reasons, but some are more passionate than others. I love it. It's all about the debate. The best part of my job is that I get to debate and discuss prospects with highly talented people working in the game. It's everything to me. Nothing wrong with a heated debate over a prospect or a ranking of a prospect. It never gets old for me.

Kevin Goldstein (Houston): Where the !*$# is John Lamb???

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Probably in your guest bedroom.

Liam (Dallas): How close was Lance McCullers Jr to making this list? Do you think he makes the leap after a full healthy season?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He was on the bubble. He could creep up as the year creeps along, but the questions about his long term role will most likely keep him from a crazy leap.

Amanda (Minneaplis): In your time doing this, what would you consider your biggest "miss" for a prospect evaluation?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I really thought Michael Main would be a number two starter. Loved the athleticism; loved the arm action; saw the FB at 92-95 with late downward life; had feel for a true hammer. He was never the same after getting sick (mono) and then he started to put on bad weight and lost the delivery and the stuff. I really thought he was going to be something legit. Missed that.

Ryan (San Diego): Is there a sense of satisfaction or dejection when you find yourself wide of the prospecting industry with a ranking and it proves to be right or wrong? I'm thinking specifically of Buxton's ranking above Sano on the off season lists (Keith Law, Baseball America, Jonathan Mayo, all had Sano higher) and the somewhat surprising high ranking of someone like Hedges, Uria or Almora on the midseason list? Thanks for the great work!

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: We all form conclusions in a different manner, and I don't judge or compare my work to the work of others in the industry. I feel very confident in the product I attach my name to, and that's all I care about. I don't need to be right or wrong, and I am very open about being wrong (its a huge part of the process). But I feel good about the work if its thorough and honest. Did I see enough? Did I ask around enough? Did I really think about the specifics? If I did, its all good, regardless of the outcome.

Andrew (Tacoma): Do you see Marco Gonzales crack the 101 list next offseason?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Yes

EricJ (SF): Who's your prospect pick to sell Parks brand jeans?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Can you imagine Lindor wearing jeans with my name on the butt? Did I just type that on an open forum?

Dr. Phil (NY): Is Byron Buxton the reason the babies are made?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: If I ever make a baby, Buxton will most likely be the reason behind it. So yes.

Ben (California): Thanks for the list and the chat. I love it. Why do teams care how you ranked their players? Is there some advantage to them to having players higher on these type of lists?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: They want to see the fruits of their extreme labor appreciated and respected. I'm not a parent (except to a doll named Rolfe), but it would make sense to want to a person under your developmental care to receive credit for their success.

Josh (Haviland): I know you use a lot of sources, but is this your personal list or are other guys at BP involved in the final decisions?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: The MiLB staff at BP participated in the discussions and the debate, but I put my name on the product so it was my baby. That said, they were huge in the process and the list wouldn't look the same without their opinions.

Steve (NY): 5 years from now.. Best hitter Best SP

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Best hitter? Taveras. Best SP? Bradley or Syndergaard.

Liam (Dallas): Is Giolito's upside high enough for you to have considered putting him on this list despite the TJS?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Not in the 50 but easy in the top 101

Bob (Seattle): If Puig was still in the minors, where would he rank?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Wherever he wanted me to rank him

19braves77 (Pensacola, FL ): Your sandwiched between Buxton and Lindor, who do you want to be facing ?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: This is probably the deepest question ever asked on Baseball Prospectus.

tonynelson19 (MN): Similar question, but who would you consider your biggest "hit" for prospect evaluation? Maybe someone that others weren't as high on?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: It's not really a hit given the fact that he was an extreme talent from the jump, but I thought Lindor was a beast after watching him play for one inning. I knew he was special.

mikeyurk (CT): Do you believe Ronald Guzman will develop enough power to be 1st division at 1B?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I do. I'm a big believer in Guzman's offensive upside.

ben (ny): If Carlos Rodon was in the 2013 draft where would he rank?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Number 1

EricJ (SF): Who's the highest ceiling arm in the Giants system?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Crick

richardkr34 (Saint Paul, MN): Buxton has a mustache at 19 which, while nascent, is showing potential #Selleck. Please put a present/future grade on it.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: 4/6, but if its a true #selleck, that grade will play up in game action.

ttt (Manhattan): You have a dog named Rolfe? Don't you mean Rowlf?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I have a doll named Rolfe. It's a little human doll.

Kurt (DC): Biggest impact bat not yet called up for 2013 in fantasy?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Verducci

Chris (SF): 3 years from now... best SS?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: In the minors? Tough question. If Mondesi is still around, its him. Arcia is a sleeper; Crawford a possible candidate.

richardkr34 (Saint Paul, MN): Best potential RP?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Relief pitcher? Man, hard to go against Carlos Martinez (if he goes forward in that role). I think he could be an elite closer. Nasty.

Sara (Tacoma): Rodon ahead of Buxton... wait, what?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: If available in the '13 draft, I'd take Rondon over the rest of the class. I would not rank him over Buxton. He's not Jesus.

mikeyurk (CT): Where would you put Zack Wheeler on this list?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Easy top 10

ThunderAce41 (OKC): How good can Luis Sardinas be? He seems to be overshadowed at SS playing in an organization with Andrus and Profar?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I think he has better defensive tools than Profar, but obviously not on the same level as a prospect. Switch hitting contact type with easy plus speed and a very good defensive profile at a premium spot. Health has been his biggest issue.

TheDonCharleone (North Carolina): Jose Berrios, any more information you could give about him? Like how far off from being inthe Top 50, and where he'd rank in a Top 100 mid-season prospect list?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He was in the mis for the Top 50. Not a tall kid but strong and athletic. Has a plus FB and two secondary offerings that could get to plus. He's short but very legit and I think he can stick around in a rotation.

Amanda (Minneapolis): How much incentive is there for teams to over-hype their own prospects to you, to inflate their trade value?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Most don't pull that stuff because it doesn't offer much benefit, especially if its horseshit. It would just make me look bad. That's why I tend to avoid talking to teams about their own players when it comes to rankings. I like to get developmental stuff after the fact, but not when I'm still wrestling with the decision. Outside the org sources are always preferred.

EricJ (SF): I heard a rumor watching Bo Jackson caused you to enter puberty. True or false?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Bo Jackson and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar that I kept under my bed.

jgoldenberg (Philly): Is Maikel Franco a guy or a GUY?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He's a guy. He could be a GUY if he keeps raking.

RotoLando (Cloud City): Better offense: Rougned Odor or Jonathan Villar?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Odor

Josh (Texas): If you could go see one minor league team play, who would it be and why?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Staten Island Yankees. Tonight. Because its tonight.

BenH13 (Bedroom ): Chances Jared Cosart sneaks in your 101?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Unlikely. I'm jut not really that high on him.

MattWinks (Cedar Rapids): Does Jesse Biddle still have #2 upside with the velocity uptick or is it more of a #3 workhorse profile?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: #3 is a safer bet

Kyle (Maine): Could a team made completely from guys currently in the minors be better than the Astros (sorry Kevin)?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Nope. They would get crushed. Big jump to the majors from the minors in terms of talent.

ravenight (Boston): Would there be a way to distill current opinion on prospects, or does it have to be a list for anyone to pay attention? Does it have to be a list because the need to assign an order leads to more thorough analysis?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Rule number one of sportswriting: People Love Lists. Give them lists.

Bryant (San Diego): What, if anything, would you need to see from Austin Hedges to feel more confident in his offensive future? Or is the bat just gravy?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He's a tough out at the plate, but that doesn't really show up in the stats. The bat is gravy, but the bat is also the difference between a major league regular and something more substantial. Everybody loves biscuits but biscuits and gravy are superior. Hedges' defense is already biscuits. Any progression with the bat and the product starts to get really delicious.

mikeyurk (CT): Am I sensing sarcasm in Carlos Rodon at 1? But would you put the lefty with nasty fastball/slider combo ahead of Mark Appel or Jonathan Gray?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Yes. If in the same draft, I would prefer Rodon to both Appel and Gray.

Bob (Seattle): Could a team consisting solely of retired baseball players be better a MLB team?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Yes. The 1997 Marlins could probably beat the 2013 Marlins.

fats (churrana): syndergaard over sanchez only because of sanchez's injury?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Syndergaard is a Texan, and its the little things in life.

Mike (TX): Donovan Tate or Bubba Starling?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Starling, Much better makeup.

jharrison3 (Illinois): How does one get to where you are in life?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: You mean sitting in a really rundown studio apartment in the middle of a Dominican neighborhood, all alone with two cats and a doll? I think you can get here by underachieving in life.

eric (philly): Gregory Polanco sneak into top 5 next year?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Highly unlikely.

Sprite (GTM): Does Correa have a higher offensive upside than Profar?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I think he projects to have more power, but don't sleep on Profar's hit tool. I'd take Profar.

AJ (Phoenix): Bubba Starling or Tate Donovan?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Tate Donovan because of Space Camp, which I adore.

Lyle R. (Pittsburgh): I know Addison Russell is a really good propsect, but it's hard to see him raking in Double-A a year from now, no? Even with a big hot streak he's hitting .259, drawing little walks and striking out a ton.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I think he's been fine in HIgh-A this season, despite some early struggles. I can actually see him raking in AA next season. This kid can really hit.

Corey (Hoison Beach, VA): Did Gausman's less than stellar performance with the O's hurt his ranking on your list?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Not at all. I thought he showed a lot in those starts. He just wasn't ready yet. Development takes time.

Dave (Houston): Where was Correa? Isn't he underrated at this point? A year younger than Buxton but still kicking it in full season ball.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Let me guess, you work for the Astros?

Josh (Texas): OK, travel considerations not withstanding, what minor league team would you go see if you had your pick?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Hickory or Ft Wayne, for serious bats and serious arms

Kyle (Maine): What are the chances we see another Pedro in our lifetimes? I miss Pedro.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: It will happen, but he wont be as Pedro as Pedro. Nobody will ever be that #wet on the mound.

TheDonCharleone (North Carolina): Which of these Yankee OF prospects, Slade Heathcott, Mason Williams or Tyler Austin, do you feel will have the best major league career?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Austin. Better bat.

nikitos1979a (Philly): Biddle's control has been off and on this year. Other than that, what else does he need to improve to be a top 50 guy?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I don't think he's ever going to be a plus command guy, but if he can stay in the delivery and finish his pitches, he will continue to find success. When he can stay over the ball, finish his breaking ball and work the FB lower in the zone, he's very effective.

DaveRoch (Tempe, AZ): Did you just call Buxton the closest thing to Jesus?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Well, I actually believe in Buxton, so it's probably not a good comp.

Doug Melvin (Milwaukee, WI): Top 5 prospects in my farm system?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Arcia
Hellweg
Your mustache
Thornburg
Your moustache (alternate spelling)

Daniel (NY): Was Rafael De Paula under consideration for this list?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: He was. Very high on him. Think he ends up in the 'pen.

dmartinez87 (NY): Are Lewis Brinson, Blake Swihart and/or Roman Quinn candidates for the top 101 in the offseason?

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: Brinson and Swihart, no doubt. I'm not as high on Quinn.

Jason Parks on the Midseason Top 50 Prospects: I apologize for the short chat, but I have to take off to go watch a short-season game. You asked a ton of questions and I appreciate it. I'm sorry I couldn't answer more, but let's do this again in the next few weeks and I'll answer as many as you ask. Again, many thanks for the questions and for reading the site. #want