Jim Callis' NL Central comments

[mikechamp]

From an ESPN chat. The quota was met (and exceeded!) once again.

Mandatory Linkage: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=15314
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How do you see Josh Hamilton's career panning out? He hit his first major league hit/HR last night. Is this a sign of good things to come or just a toolsy player getting a hold of a bad pitch?

Jim Callis
Hamilton's comeback has amazed me. I didn't think he could shake off the rust this quickly. He still has a lot to overcome, but he has a chance to be a star.
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Hey Jim - could you give a sentence or two for each of these guys, and maybe rank them? Gio Gonzalez, Matt Albers, Jamie Garcia, Joba Chamberlain.

Jim Callis
Garcia, Gonzalez, Albers, Chamberlain. I like all of those guys. Garcia: One of the more underrated lefties in the minors. Gonzalez: Could have three plus pitches. Albers: Has matured a lot on and off the field in the last couple of years. Chamberlain: Could be a huge steal for where the Yankees drafted him.
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The Cubs are notorious for getting very little Major League talent from their high draft picks. This year my Cubbies will have a Top 5 pick. Who should we draft? Who do you think Hendry and his staff will select?

Jim Callis
I keep thinking that scouting director Tim Wilken will take Georgia Tech C Matt Wieters with the second pick.
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Where can I get minor league defensive stats? I would like an update on Ryan Braun's start on the defensive side.

Jim Callis
They're not available publicly as far as I know. But I just checked and can report that Braun has played errorless ball at third through five games. With the way he hits, I expect he'll be up in Milwaukee sooner rather than later.
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What are your thoughts on Jonathan Papelbon's brothers Joshua and Justin?

Jim Callis
Both had very good debuts, but neither has stuff close to big brother's.
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Do you see any chance Smardzija gets up to Double A Tennessee this year?

Jim Callis
It's possible. The Cubs believe Samardzija will progress rapidly now that he's a full-time pitcher. If that happens, I could see him in Double-A by midseason.
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best centerfield prospect in the minors today

Jim Callis
Cameron Maybin. I see Jay Bruce moving to right field in the long run.
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Will Felix Pie get called up this year and when?

Jim Callis
Yes. July.
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(Hey hey!! It only took a month, but he finally answered!)

The Cards' starters were awesome in spring training. They've started out the season doing pretty well, too. Can they continue this excellence all season?

Jim Callis
I'm still skeptical. Chris Carpenter is hurt, it's hard to bank on Kip Wells and the other three guys (Adam Wainwright, Anthony Reyes, Braden Looper) never have spent a full major league season as a starter.
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Sheets or Zambrano

Jim Callis
Zambrano becuase he's a better bet to stay healthy.
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Donald Veal, Sean Gallagher or Jeff Samardzjia?

Jim Callis
Veal.
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Fact or Fiction: When Pie gets called up, he takes over CF and Soriano shifts to RF?

Jim Callis
Fact. Soriano hasn't looked very good in center.
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Braun or Wood?

Jim Callis
Wood.
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Tabata, Maybin, Milledge, or Pie?

Jim Callis
Maybin.
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In three years from now, Ryan Braun will be playing 3B or OF?

Jim Callis
I'll remain optimistic and say 3B.
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[cardinalkarp]

Does Felix Pie exist or is he just a minor league legend??

There's always at least 3 or 4 questions per chat dedicated to him.

[JL21]

Sasquatch Pie? Sounds like.... um.... never mind.

I note that we get two MORE questions about Samardzija.

Good to see the positive feedback about Jamie Garcia.

[BW23]

no offense mike, but I'm surprised he answered your question in the lightning round.

[Socnorb11]

Sasquatch Pie? Sounds like.... um.... never mind.

I note that we get two MORE questions about Samardzija.

Good to see the positive feedback about Jamie Garcia.

Can Samardzija POSSIBLY live up to the hype, at this point?

My biggest fear is that Garcia is going to turn into Chris Narveson.

[mikechamp]

I'm surprised he ever answered my question.

The only reason I kept asking over this past month was to see if he would post something that had the words "awesome" and "Cards" in the same sentence.

Persistence prevails!

[Tambourine Man]

Continue the Felix Pie rant here.