Callis highlights

Written by Greg Fertel | 17 January 2007

bill (new york): do you think joba chamberlin is the real deal?  Jim Callis: He's a legit prospect, if that's what you're asking. He had a chance to be a top-10 pick in last year's draft, but some medical concerns knocked him down to the supplemental first round. Jordan(CT): Better Cox, J.Brent or Bryce?  Jim Callis: Bryce. I like both of them, however. [Bryce's career ERA at Rice: 3.89, JB's at Texas: 1.99] Tom (Meatleberg, Germany): Can you give any more details about the Yankee prospect Alberto Gonzalez? One NL exec said he's the first prospect he would ask about in a trade with the Yankees.  Jim Callis: I think that's way overstating the case, because he's not close to as good as Philip Hughes or Jose Tabata (not that the Yankees would trade them). Gonzalez is a very good defender but I don't think he'll hit enough to be a regular on a contender. Derek Jeter has nothing to worry about. Also, I don't think he's going to be the key piece to any major deal the Yankees make. [Sadly, he's still the Yanks best middle infield prospect] Anthony (NY): Better in their prime: Phil Hughes or Justin Verlander?  Jim Callis: Hughes. [I'll admit, I'm kinda surprised - pleasantly of course - by that] Armin (Austria): Hey Jim! Who do you think will pitch more games for the Yankees in the upcoming season: Phil Hughes or Roger Clemens?  Jim Callis: Hughes. Jim Dean (B'more): Taking a look at BaseballAmerica's top 100 lists back to 1990, it's soon obvious that, even among the best of the best prospects, pitching is extremely unpredictable. Can a certain pinstriped organization really be top-rated if 8 of their 10 best prospects are RHP? Doesn't history tell us anything?  Jim Callis: We don't have the Yankees rated No. 1. But Jim's point is one I make all of the time. Pitching is unpredictable and attrition almost always will thin out deep pitching crops over time. The Yankees' depth gives them a better chance to develop some quality pitching, but to think all of those arms will pan out is very wishful thinking. [think about it, if just 2 of Hughes, Clippard, Joba, Kennedy, Betances, Sanchez, Garcia and Ohlendorf pan out, that's still 2 really good pitchers...] Ray (Brooklyn): Humberto Sanchez or Ross Ohlendorf? Brighter future?  Jim Callis: Sanchez. [fairly obvious I believe]