Baseball Prospectus - Chat with Jason Parks

Chat: Jason Parks

Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Thursday June 21, 2012 1:00 PM ET chat session with Jason Parks.

The Professor has the answers you seek.

Jason Parks: I'm ready to party. Let's go.

Al4TD (Polk High): Is Kaleb Cowart in the conversation for top 3rd base prospect in the minors?

Jason Parks: Not yet, but he has the potential to be in that conversation. He has some advanced talent ahead of him in the queue.

Shane (Miami): Are you still a nay-sayer when it comes to Billy Hamilton, or is he changing your view on his outcome?

Jason Parks: I was hesitant to jump on the Hamilton bandwagon. Not because I didn't appreciate or recognize his speed, but I had concerns about his overall strength at the plate and his defensive role. Hamilton has stepped forward with his strength, coming to camp early this season and really pushing it to get better. His swing isn't as flat or empty as it was last season, and defenses and pitchers respect the swing more. That means a lot. I have to change my tune as the player changes, for better or worse. Evaluations need to be fluid. I've been impressed with Hamilton in 2012. Not 100% sure about the bat, but if he keeps taking steps forward, he will be just fine. Impact player.

michaelmcduffe (ottawa): Hi Jason. Mike Olt is obviously doing great but when I look at his numbers I think of Chris Davis who was the 'Mike Olt' of 2008-2009--an awesome power hitting 3B with a great future in Texas. Could you explain the differences between them and why I shouldn't fear Olt will become Chris Davis? Thank you.

Jason Parks: Approach. Mike Olt has a very advanced approach to hitting, one that Chris Davis lacked. Olt has some miss in his swing, and he will take a pitcher deep into a count so strikeouts will always be a part of the equation, but he also works walks and works himself into favorable hitting conditions/situations. He's a more complete hitter.

He's also a much, much better defensive player. He's a very good prospect. I'd like to see him at the major league level at some point in the near future getting reps in LF, 1B, 3B, and DH. The Rangers have enough ABs to go around and Olt could handle the defensive assignments with a little extra work in the minors.

Jake (Chicago): When are you doing your prospect piece on the Cubs?

Jason Parks: The Cubs are coming soon. I'm working on Pirates and Reds first.

stevenpsu78 (york pa): Could you please compare "The Puerto Rican Trifecta" Javier Baez, Carlos Correa, and Fransico Lindor's upside with the bat only regardless of who could end up at a different position. Thanks.

Jason Parks: Baez has the best pure bat; Correa has the tools to be a legit offensive force, but he just started his professional journey, I have yet to see him in person, and it might take some time before we know what type of offensive player he will become; Lindor can do everything, but the defensive skill-set is the calling card. The offensive game is advanced, with some batting average promise, a mature approach, and some pop, but he's unlikely to be a middle-of-the-order hitter like Baez.

Kyle (Madison): Which #wet do you prefer: free-flowing locks of Puyol or the well-groomed Mario Gomez?

Jason Parks: Visually, I tend to favor Puyol's brand of #wet to Gomez's, but let's not view that as a knock on Gomez. He's a remarkable talent with very impressive #wet. Puyol is just special.

RichW (New Jersey): The reports of Austin Hedges defensive acumen are well known, but how is the hit tool and power progressing? Also, is his defensive chops as good as advertised?

Jason Parks: The bat will most likely always be behind the glove, but the bat has received positive reviews this season. The defense is beyond legit. I had a scout tell me that he could catch in the majors right now based on his receiving skills, his catch and throw skills, and his ability to work/communicate the game plan to pitchers.

feebish (Paris, France): Hey Jason, I was scheduled to ride up Alpe d'Huez today, but the weather sucks, so I postponed in order to try again next week. Who knows if I'll ever be in France again, right? Next week I will have sunshine, but will not be able to fit in any riding other than the climb. Did I make the right call?

Jason Parks: You have to take advantage of opportunities when you are presented with them. No regrets, no surrender. We do not train to be merciful here. Kove doesn't care about the weather. He just lives.

stevenpsu78 (york pa): How far over his head is Kipnis playing? What do you see him leveling off at numbers wise?

Jason Parks: I don't think he is playing over his head at all. I think he's a stud, and I think he could get even better.

Josh G (Sacramento): Random Question: Do you ever write fiction/short stories in your spare time or does baseball/music keep you fully occupied?

Jason Parks: I write a lot of poetry in my spare time. I turn some of it into song lyrics, but most of the work just lives in a notebook that I rarely look back on. I need to write more fiction. I like the process.

Mike (Utica, NY): Who are you looking most forward to seeing in the New York Penn League?

Jason Parks: I'm glad someone asked me this. Here's my approach to short-season baseball....I don't show up to the fields to see a particular player because it creates expectations. I obviously want to see talent, but at that level, even the best players will be inconsistent, and the worst players will be just short of awful. I prefer to be surprised. I want to see a player that isn't on the radar, a player that emerges as a prospect during the season. I don't want to setup short-season kids to fail by holding too much anticipation about the viewing. The talent is raw, so the approach needs to be adjusted accordingly.

Dbrosene (San Mateo): Hi, professor. Are you at all concerned about prospects in certain systems? I love Jameson Taillon but I don't love Pittsburgh's inability to develop pitching. Is that a factor in your mind when evaluating a prospect?

Jason Parks: Every team has an inability to develop pitching. It's hard to develop. I'm not of the belief that teams fail players as much as players just fail, for a wide-variety of reasons. I like the current crop of arms in the Pirates system; lots of high makeup kids with good stuff. That will help in the developmental cause. Makeup is a huge part of the developmental equation.

Mike (Utica, NY): Is it crazy to call Mike Trout, Rickey Henderson Jr. like Torii Hunter is.

Jason Parks: It's crazy to need to call Mike Trout anything other than Mike Trout. His skill-set is sexy enough to avoid the need to compare him to others, don't you think?

Matt (Chciago): The Cubs have made some marked improvement in terms of the position players in the system. That being said, is it me or is the state of pitching on their farm pretty atrocious?

Jason Parks: It's rough.

@Hopjake (Kansas city): Do you think Gumbs is starting to tap into his tools?

Jason Parks: The tools have always been present in some form, but he is doing a better job of utilizing those tools in game action. His approach is still very aggressive, but his bat speed is off the hook. It's special. I'm not sure where he ends up on the diamond, but he is a very good athlete with incredible bat speed, so the ceiling is quite high. I've been a fan since I first saw him. He's fun to watch.

Chris (KC): So if every team has an inability to develop pitching, would you say the Rays have been lucky rather than good?

Jason Parks: There are always other factors involved, but yes, luck plays a big part. The Rays have been able to acquire talented arms, and everything starts with talent. The best developmental teams in baseball can't turn a 4 role pitcher into an ace. 1) Get the right kind of talent; 2) Help the talent mature to the best of your ability; 3) Hope it works out.

sportspopery (nyc): Profe, we all have a first, whether it's losing one's chicken-fried steak virginity or actual virginity. So: who was the first prospect you fell head over heels for? And what lessons did you learn from that initial dalliance?

Jason Parks: My heart skipped a beat when I saw Carlos Santana back in '07. He might not have been the first, but I remember watching him on the back fields during a FIL game and thinking that he was going to be a stud. That event poured gasoline on an already burning fire.

richardkr34 (Saint Paul, MN): What are some new bands I should check out? And by "new", I don't mean the cool kidz standard of only being available for download the last two months.

Jason Parks: I don't really listen to a lot of new bands. If someone brings something to my attention I will listen to it, but I spend a lot of my time ingesting a wide-variety of music from years past, music that brought up certain emotions then and maintain that affect years later. The Beatles still do it for me; Townes van Zandt still does it for me; Zappa, Beach Boys, Edgard Varese, Pantera, etc. I'm forever stuck in my youth, I guess.

Chad Bell's Uncle (USA): How good is my nephew?

Jason Parks: He's a much better PS3 FIFA player than anyone I've ever played against. He knows all the tricks. He's also a good pitcher, with feel and solid-average stuff from the left-side. I think he's a major league arm.

BlueJaysFan (Toronto): Do you see D'arnaud being the everyday catcher in 2013? It appears that his offense has caught up or even passed Arencebia's hasn't it?

Jason Parks: I think he should be the starter in '13, yes. He's the better all-around player.

richardkr34 (Saint Paul, MN): Thoughts on the Twins taking Byron Buxton?

Jason Parks: Go for ceiling, especially when the player has feel for the game and a strong work ethic. I really liked the pick.

fivetoolmike (Chicago): Do you get a lot of questions/feedback from relatives of prospects?

Jason Parks: Some. Most are very pleasant and just want to find out more about the family member in question. Very rarely a family member will get hostile about something I wrote, but it happens. I understand where the hostility is coming from, so I don't make a big deal about it. It usually comes from a genuine place.

US Soccer (Shamestown, USA): We can only tie Canada 0-0 an hour away from our border? I don't care if it's a friendly, it doesn't bode well for us in World Cup qualifying does it?

Jason Parks: I didn't realize the US still had a team.

Diego Forlan (New York City): I'm in New York right now, your in New York right now, why aren't we out destroying the city. #want

Jason Parks: Because I'm sad and lame and you are awesome and have a Colonial hairstyle that I can't compete with.

jhardman (Irvingite): Is Trevor Story going to be able to continue as a SS in the Colorado system with Troy Tulowitzki blocking his progress? Or is this another potential situation like Profar having no place to play but being good enough to facilitate a trade?

Jason Parks: Tulo is only blocking Story at the major league level, and Story is playing in the Low-A Sally League at the present. It's not an issue until its an issue. If you can develop a player as a shortstop, you develop a player as a shortstop. Deal with the problem when it actually becomes one.

Jason (Omaha): What do you make of Eric Hosmer's struggles this year? Just a blip on the radar or cause for concern?

Jason Parks: Adjustments. It happens. Baseball is a game of minor adjustments, small battles played out against one opponent at a time. Pitchers found a way to get him out. Now Hosmer will need to find a way to adjust.

Short Shorts (Venice Beach): Nick Castellanos tore up the FSL to the tune of a .400+ average before his recent call-up to AA. With that said, he only hit 3Hrs, while in the FSL. I know he's only 20 years old, but I'm surprised by the lack of power. Do you think he will eventually develop above average power to profile enough for 3B?

Jason Parks: Yes. Power is derivative of the hit tool, and we all know Castellanos can rake. His swing doesn't have a ton of loft to it, but as he continues to mature as a hitter, I'm certain he will add more over-the-fence power to his game. He's going to be a very good hitter.

Jim (Seattle): Hi Prof.! Always a pleasure to interact with you, and please keep up good work in scouting/prospects world! A couple questions for you, specifically on Trevor Bauer. I went to see him on Tuesday night when he starts for Reno Aces in Tacoma. During the game, one scout commented on Bauer's curveball "...it has serious downward movement, but I felt it was better in college" Not sure how did you feel at time you scout Bauer? Second question is, Bauer didn't pitch a good game since he didn't have his best command (or did he ever?) and not even first time through the lineup he already showing all the offering on the table. Not a player comp but this makes me thought about your word on Darvish's sequencing during spring training. Is pitching backward (or heavily rely on secondary offering) a bad thing during development stage?

Jason Parks: I wrote about this when I profiled Bauer and DBacks system. Bauer has a lot of toys, similar in that regard to Darvish, and he likes to experiment on the mound. Sometimes a meat and potatoes approach is better: establish the fastball early and often, build the command, get comfortable with the release point, get ahead in counts, and then start working in the secondary offerings, finding the ones that can get you outs, can get you grounders, can force weak swings, etc. Atfer you establish the FB and start mixing in the secs, you can use sequence to your advantage. An arm like Bauer will own hitters if he can establish early and get ahead in counts. He will crush.

Twenty Grade Tony (Albuquerque): Archie Bradley was all the rave coming out of Spring Training. Bundy has obviously became the flavor of the month lately, but are you still hearing good things about Archie?

Jason Parks: I'm still hearing good things about both arms. Bradley has had some command/control issues, but the stuff is still turning heads.

kgoldstein (DeKalb): Go on Skype, we have an interview!

Jason Parks: Whoops. Sorry, folks. I will return to the chat in ~30 min. I forgot I had this interview scheduled. I'll make sure to answer for another hour after I return. Apologies.

Alan (T.O.): Obviously their stocks have gone in different directions, but if you're the GM and a challenge trade is on the table, who are you taking: Archie Bradley or Jose Fernandez?

Jason Parks: I'm back. Apologies for the delay. Recorded a podcast segment with a scouting director. Tons of great info.

I'd take Bradley.

basicslop (around the bend): You mentioned on twitter how Nine Inch Nails has very complicated and difficult music. You have any opinions on the Deftones? (Fully expecting a "deftones are the worst" type of answer)

Jason Parks: I can appreciate the construction of NIN's sound; not always my cup of tea, but I like production. I haven't listened to enough Deftones to form an opinion. The worst kind of music to me is poorly constructed music without any soul or artistic purpose.

ncsuwa4 (Durham, NC): Would you prefer Byron Buxton or Bubba Starling? Does the fact they will probably both play at the same level this year despite Buxton being almost 2 years younger play into it?

Jason Parks: If the tools are equal, I'll take the younger kid. Give me Buxton.

Mike (Utica, NY): Can Naquin make it in center field for the Indians and do you think he was a reach at 15?

Jason Parks: I have no idea. He just started his professional journey. I think we should give him time before 1) forming a strong opinion about his skill-set; and 2) evaluating his draft placement as compared to his class. Its way too premature to worry about that.

John (TX): Do you see Darvish progressing or regressing as the season goes forward? Was this a wise investment by the Rangers?

Jason Parks: I think he will progress throughout the season, although some developmental progress won't show up on the stat sheet.

Very wise investment. Monster talent.

Tex2044 (Kuwait): I loved your piece on the prototype. I know that you wanted to find one, but I appreciate that you didn't force one. You did the research and let that lead the article. Even though you didn't find a prototype, I still think you take your chances on athletes. I do think it changed my mind on how long I hold out hope for the tools to actualize. Did it change your opinions at all?

Jason Parks: Thanks. Like you, I still like the promise of taking high-upside talent. It did, however, make me question how long teams maintain belief (time/money) on the player once it becomes clear that feel and instinct are insufficient to progress.

basicslop (Albuquerque): Have you ever been so upset at your grandma that you feel you need to post it on twitter?

Jason Parks: No, but the Twitter account that RTs those comments is fantastic.

basicslop (around the bend): What do you see as your own greatest areas of improvement in evaluating and scouting since you started and since you joined BP?

Jason Parks: Being patient and being open to the re-evaluation process as much as the initial evaluation process. If you can't change your mind about a prospect, you shouldn't be doing this. You should always be open to other opinions, other means of analysis, and other approaches.

Twenty Grade Tony (Albuquerque): Youre stuck on a secluded island, and you can only take one prospect with you to watch develop and play for the rest of your life. Do you take Fransisco Lindor or Oscar Taveras?

Jason Parks: I'd take Lindor. I love watching slick defense at a premium position. That's not a knock on Taveras.

jhardman (Apex, NC): Is it a positive sign for the Rangers that the decision on Jairo Beras is taking this long? Initial signs were that the Rangers had a snowball's chance in hell of his signing holding up, but it seems like the more time passes that the chances are getting better.

Jason Parks: I don't think we can assume the length of the process is beneficial to either party without knowing more about the process itself. The entire situation is messed up. I just don't want to see the kid punished for having to exist in a screwed-up reality where not knowing your own age is common, and getting used by people for their gain is as well.

Mike (Utica, NY): Jose Fernandez, can he be a starter with only two known current pitches and a delivery with a lot of effort.

Jason Parks: I've spoken to scouts who would disagree with both of those statements, so yes, He's also very young. Let's see what happens before we start whispering reliever. He's not even 20 years-old. Do you think he is finished with the developmental process?

Cap'tn Cole (Ripping through minors): Are you surprised on Gerrit Cole's promotion? I have heard you gave him a floor of backend starter the day he was drafted.

Jason Parks: Not surprised with promotion. He's going to be very good. He's already nearing that point. It can take time, and when we start to assume timetables we can get into trouble. The Pirates have a plan.

Wayne (Manchester): Whats been your favorite part of Euro 2012 so far and whose been your standout player?

Jason Parks: The best part is not having a team that I'm emotionally attached to. I can just watch soccer and enjoy every game without the intense connection of specific fanaticism.

Xavi has been remarkable. It's an amazing experience to watch him facilitate on the pitch.

Twenty Grade Tony (Albuquerque): You seem to talk alot about and have a good feel for psychology and such. ever thought about doing an article where you diagnose the fan base and front office with the disorder that best fits them?

Jason Parks: I've had to listen to readings from the DSM-4 book before, and I would hate to put those labels on others. I do enjoy psychology, but its usually focused on myself, trying to learn about about the way I think and the affect that has on things in my world.

Eric (DC): With few top quality 2B prospects (compared to other positions), could Kolten Wong be the best of the bunch?

Jason Parks: He could, yes. Fantastic all-around player. ++ hit-ability

raygu1 (Burlington, NJ): Thoughts on the drop in power for Adrian Gonzalez this season? is he hurt?

Jason Parks: I haven't watch a lot of Gonzalez this season. Could be a number of factors, injury included.

Russ Schiefer (Reading, Pa): Do you plan on atending the AA all-star game in Reading, Pa this year?

Jason Parks: Unfortunately, I will be out of town for a BP event. I won't get back to the NYC area until the 12th. Bad timing.

Jim (Sphinx Park, CO): I thought my question what major leaguers have both 7 hit and power grades was a good one after the podcast mentioning Taveras could grade that way. Was my phrasing not #wet enough?

Jason Parks: I have 150 questions in the queue. I'm going to miss a few. Apologies.

It's a good question, but one that is subject to change. Any hitter than can produce a batting average of .300+ on a yearly basis, and produce 30+ bombs on a yearly basis fits the bill. Not many of those guys exist, right? It's an elite player any way you want to frame it, whether the grades are 7s or 8s. It's top of the food chain.

Bill (New Mexico): Word is that Shelby Miller just got ordered not to shake his catchers off any more, i.e., just throw what they tell him to. Any read on what that means and why? Presumably there's a connection to his disappointing season so far, but what is it?

Jason Parks: It might suggest that Miller follows his own beat. He was throwing too many FBs early in the season because it felt more comfortable to him. I can't speak to any specific developmental issue or makeup concern, but I have heard whispers that he hasn't always been an ideal student. You can't believe everything you hear, especially when it comes from other teams, but Miller hasn't been overly impressive this season, and it started when he arrived in camp.

Twenty Grade Tony (Albuquerque): In the last podcast you and kevin said that the prospect from the rangers (sorry, his name slips my mind right now) had the greatest difference between ceiling and actual talent. Even more so than Bubba Starling?

Jason Parks: Yes. Jordan Akins.

Kevin wrote a great article about this type of player (gap player) recently at BP. Check it out.

dianagram (VORGville): Pct. of scouts you have seen wearing: a) sandals b) fedoras

Jason Parks: A). 0% B). 2%

Parker (San Fran): Is Gary Sanchez more advanced defensively than Montero was at the same age? Think he can at least get to the majors as a catcher?

Jason Parks: Yes, but he still has a lot to learn about receiving. I'm not sure if he can make it to the majors as a catcher. His bat is more developed and it will be tempting to push those tools.

Dave (Austin): Have we learned anything about Jorge Alfaro this year?

Jason Parks: Not really. He hasn't played enough. He needs to stay healthy, get reps, and take steps forward with his approach. It's a slow process at times.

Mike (Utica, NY): When it's all set and done what do you think people will say of the careers of Mike Trout and Bryce Harper?

Jason Parks: That they were special talents that gave baseball a spark when it needed it.

Russ (MD): Olt or Arenado better 3B long term?

Jason Parks: Olt is the better defensive player, with more raw power; Arenado is the better pure hitter. I'd take Olt.

AA (Toronto): Who do you like the best of the Jays top 4 SP prospects: Syndergaard, Nicolino, Sanchez, Norris?

Jason Parks: I haven't thought about that way. I don't like one more than other, really. I think they each have characteristics that tickle my fancy. I'd prefer to wait until they get a little more professional seasoning under their belt before putting them in a box. Any opinion I have now might change in a month, or when I catch them in person.

ORWahoo (Tigard): Someone who seems to be having a heck of a year relatively under the radar is Nick Franklin. Putting aside his injury and illness-marred 2011, he has hit very well in the minors and has stayed at shortstop. What keeps him out of the discussions of the top prospects in the game besides his non-elite defense?

Jason Parks: The fact that people question his ability to stick at the position at the highest level. The bat is legit; very good offensive tools. I don't see a great hitter, though, and if you remove him from the position, he doesn't profile as a top-end talent. That probably explains why he doesn't appear at the top of prospect lists.

Twenty Grade Tony (Albuquerque): Have you seen the rosters for this year's future's game? Team America has a TON of pitching going for them. Is the future's game seen as valuable and/or worthwhile for Scouts and guys like you, or is it just, meh?

Jason Parks: Yes. It's always exciting to watch the best talent inMiL B on one field, whether yo u work in the game or just happe to follow it. It reminds you why you love it in the first place. I'll be there.

Railway13 (Junction Station): Thoughts on the Pirates moving Stetson Allie to 3rd Base? Does he have the bat and athleticism to stick there?

Jason Parks: He isn't too far removed from hitting, so there is a chance it can work. Long shot, though. The bat will carry hom. Hitting a baseball is the most important thing right now. Finding him a position will be the easier part.

Neil Ramirez (in hiding): I'm scared. What are they saying about me?

Jason Parks: Sounds about right. They are saying you have great stuff that will come and go, and mechanics that are rarely fluid. If it comes together, you have really nice major league upside. If not, well, it was worth a shot.

Jon Daniels (Arlington Tx): is the AZL for the Rangers ridiculously good? My scouts jobs are riding on your opinion.

Jason Parks: Lots of talent; lots of raw tools; very exciting.

WesleyTilson (Memphis): I'm trying to find a comparison to Jurickson Profar's performance at his age in Double A. Anyone come to mind?

Jason Parks: Don't try. Profar is an elite prospect, with all five-tools and a very mature approach to the game. I've heard all sorts of comps, including Barry Larkin, but when you have a player of this level, their own ability and performance removes a lot of the necessity for comps. Profar is Profar. Other players are compared to him.

Ben (Miamisburg, OH): How do you view the Reds farm system in regards to starting pitching (Corcino, Stephenson, Travieso, Cingrani, Lotzkar, Sulburan)?

Jason Parks: Ill be writing about them next week at BP. I like the arms, especially Stephenson. Two nights ago he was 95-97 with the FB, showing two plus secondary pitches. Not bad.

ttt (Manhattan): Thoughts on Zach Wheeler? He seems to be jumping up a lot this year. Has he made changes?

Jason Parks: Lots of hard work on his part, and it shows. The FB has been lively, and he's been able to hold onto the velo deeper into games, This is a product of improved strength and a more fluid delivery, which has also helped in the development of the secondary offerings. He's a stud.

ttt (Manhattan): It's supposed to be hotter in NYC than in Dallas today - what are you drinking?

Jason Parks: I'm drinking water. It's very hot in my apartment, I only have a window unit, and it isn't cooling my space. The thermostat says its 83 in here. I guess that's not too bad. It's uncomfortable, though.

edwardarthur (Illinois): Other than Bundy, what current minor leaguers under 20 would have had a good shot at being the #1 pick in this year's draft?

Jason Parks: I'd take Profar #1 over Bundy.

DanDaMan (SeaCliff): What in God's name is wrong with Jason Vargas?

Jason Parks: Doesn't have great size or stuff, so if he misses up in the zone he will get punished.

Kyle (Canada): Look at the roster of the Blue Jays rookie affiliate in Bluefield and tell me it didn't move.

Jason Parks: It did more than just move.

Zach Brady (Kansas City): Everyone in Royals land is drooling over the production of production of Wil Myers. The problem is most fans simply think that he can move to CF and solve all of the team's problems at once. I've heard many people say that Myers will be stuck to the corners in the big leagues, but what exactly is he lacking that prevents him from playing Center? #want

Jason Parks: Most center fielders at the major league level are plus runners, with the first-step quickness and instincts to cover a wide swath of real estate. It's not a knock on Myers to say he's a very good athlete but not the type that can excel at a premium defensive position like CF. He will be a very good corner guy, and with his bat, he could develop into an all-star caliber player.

temple (madison, wi): you said lindor would be a star (unless he breaks my heart) how would you rate him compared to carlos correa? if everything goes by the best possible scenario and given the needs of their teams, i'm thinking that both will be up sometime in 2014, what do you think?

Jason Parks: I haven't seen Correa yet, and he just started playing in the minors. I can't say this enough: Let's show some patience before putting these players in a box. He's a baby.

I have no idea what their ETAs might be. Just let it happen. We (as outside observers) can't accurately predict the developmental path of teenagers in the low minors. We can't do it. Any answer is just a foolish guess.

@Hopjake (Kansas city): Love the podcast. Do you think pitch ability should get a grade on the scouting scale when it comes to prospects?

Jason Parks: Some scouts/teams already grade pitchability on the 20/80 scale. I've seen it on numerous scouting reports. It s big part of the evaluation.

Charlie (Bethesda, MD): Can you explain to me why Gio Gonzalez has an 18.5 VORP on the Nats audit page? I get why Strasburg is considered the team's "top offensive performer by VORP - he is hitting .350/.381/.650. But Gio's at .095/.091/.143 in 27 PAs. This can't just be a relative to other pitchers thing - Jordan Zimmerman is hitting .318/.348/.500 in 25 PAs and his VORP is only 10.4. What gives?

Jason Parks: I can't. I've never checked the audit page. Sorry about that. The only stats I care about are Martin Kove's measurements.

Allen (Houston): How come Stamina isn't one of the tools that get graded for pitchers? That seems pretty valuable and worth grading...

Jason Parks: It's a part of the equation. I'm not sure you can put a grade on it, but it should be noted. I look for clean deliveries, strength in the body, the ability to hold velo/maintain command after the pitch count gets high, etc. Very important part of the evaluation.

John (Plainfield, IL): Do you expect Oscar Tavares to be an all star caliber outfielder at his peak, or is he just an above average guy?

Jason Parks: I try not to expect it, but based on his physical tools, Taveras has the potential to be an all-star caliber player.

Miles Head (Jersey): Why aren't more people blown away by my performance thus far? I know it's the CAL league but I'm dominating.

Jason Parks: I think people find your name funny and can't get over it. I'm on of those people. I'm 12.

Nate (Indiana): Is it too early to declare Colorado the winner in the Colvin for Stewart trade?

Jason Parks: I'm the winner

Alex (Anaheim): Will Morales ever be the same as he was pre-celebration?

Jason Parks: I doubt it. I haven't been the same since my friend's wedding reception. It happens. You have to pay for the party.

mbarr4 (Lewisville, TX): Thoughts on Elier Hernandez?

Jason Parks: Big talent. I saw him in ST. He has a long way to go, but the ceiling is pretty crazy.

Justin (Seattle): Re: kgoldstein (DeKalb): Go on Skype, we have an interview! Does this mean we'll have a new podcast soon? Please, my life is devoid of all meaning without my weekly fix.

Jason Parks: Yep. Already recorded a segment with Eric Kubota; finishing the rest tonight.

Jason Parks: I tried to answer as many questions as possible in my small window of availability, and apologize to those who took the time to submit a question only to not have it answered. We will do another chat very soon. You can always find me on Twitter at @ProfessorParks and ask me anything you want. Also, special thanks to all those that asked about my mental state. I didn't publish those, but I appreciate the thought involved. Seriously, many thanks. Until then...#kove