Jim Callis' NL Central comments

mikechamp · Post by **mikechamp** » March 7 07, 2:10 pm

From an ESPN chat:

Mandatory Linkage: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=14892
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Jim what do you make of Josh Hamiliton's spring so far?

Jim Callis
He's done very well, obviously. The odds are long against him realizing all of the potential that once made him a No. 1 overall pick, but it would be a great story if he simply got his life in order and reached the majors. More power to him.
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Yesterday Rob Neyer said Mark Prior is done and would be lucky to get 50 more wins in his career. Do you agree or do you think Prior has something left?

Jim Callis
I wouldn't call him "done" quite yet, but some encouraging signs would be nice. If 50 was the over/under, at this point the smart money would be on the under.
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What is the reasoning behind Jay Bruce ranked ahead of Joey Votto? I thought Votto was the better prospect.

Jim Callis
Votto is further ahead of him in the system, but they're similar hitters and Bruce is a lot better defender, runner and athlete.
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Ryan Braun hits 2 dingers and knocks in 7 in the Brewers' first spring training game, and everyone here is ready to immediately annoint him the starting third baseman. With the sketchy defense the Brewers will already be putting on the field, do you see a real chace of this happening?

Jim Callis
I do. His bat is that good, and he's not a stiff. Braun is a good athlete who can be average at third base.
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Hunter Pence has had a phenominal spring so far. Is he going to make the Astros out of spring training?

Jim Callis
If he keeps raking, I think he will. Long term, the Astros know he's the best outfielder they have on hand. Short term, they're committed to getting Craig Biggio to 3000 hits, which makes Chris Burke an outfielder. But they won't deny Pence if he keeps doing this.
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will we see a 50-year old MLB pitcher in the next 10 years?

Jim Callis
Probably not. But I wouldn't put it past Roger Clemens to still be effective in 2013.
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Will Ryan Braun hit 15 HR's this season?

Jim Callis
Take the over. I assume we're talking majors.
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Is this the year the Brewers win the central?

Jim Callis
Yes. I've been on the Brewers In 2007 bandwagon for five years, and I'm not jumping off now.
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Fan_In_NY · Post by **Fan_In_NY** » March 7 07, 2:57 pm

Brewers fans out in full force...

ToughGuy_BlueShirt · Post by **ToughGuy_BlueShirt** » March 7 07, 3:03 pm

I thought the Brewers were supposed to win the Central in 05....and in 06 and now for sure in 07.

mikechamp · Post by **mikechamp** » March 7 07, 3:23 pm

ToughGuy_BlueShirt wrote:I thought the Brewers were supposed to win the Central in 05....and in 06 and now for sure in 07.

No, this time he really (probably) means it.

ToughGuy_BlueShirt · Post by **ToughGuy_BlueShirt** » March 7 07, 3:39 pm

mikechamp wrote:
ToughGuy_BlueShirt wrote:I thought the Brewers were supposed to win the Central in 05....and in 06 and now for sure in 07.
No, this time he really (probably) means it.

Well that's good to know..I guess.

obucard · Post by **obucard** » March 7 07, 8:03 pm

ToughGuy_BlueShirt wrote:I thought the Brewers were supposed to win the Central in 05....and in 06 and now for sure in 07.

Weren't the Reds supposed to win in 06?

Fat Strat · Post by **Fat Strat** » March 7 07, 8:06 pm

Weren't the Reds supposed to win in 06?

I was just about the only person who picked the Reds to do anything in '06. *And even I didn't have them passing the Cards,

I think the Brewers are as good as anyone on paper. Just as we need our young pitchers to step up and perform for us to make it, they need their young position players to step up and perform.

Phyrkrakr · Post by **Phyrkrakr** » March 7 07, 8:15 pm

Fat Strat wrote:
Weren't the Reds supposed to win in 06?
I was just about the only person who picked the Reds to do anything in '06. *And even I didn't have them passing the Cards,

I think the Brewers are as good as anyone on paper. Just as we need our young pitchers to step up and perform for us to make it, they need their young position players to step up and perform.

*and Sheets to stay healthy...

GatewaySnayke · Post by **GatewaySnayke** » March 7 07, 8:20 pm

Part of Milwaukee's success depends on what happens with Braun. Without him being that big bopper that he showed at AA, they won't have the offense to compete.

And while I like the rotation from Sheets, Capuano, Bush and Suppan...their bullpen was really bad last season.

The Third Man · Post by **The Third Man** » March 7 07, 9:37 pm

Most people want to see Clemens retire; not me. I want to see just how damn far he can take this career. I want him to get the modern-day record for victories. Hell, I'd looove to see him become a closer after he feels he no longer has the durability to be a starter. 5,000 strikeouts, anyone?