Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated

Welcome back forth and final hour Dennis Kelly amber please join us on the eighteenth he outlined AT&T your world delivered our friend. The great writer Sports Illustrated somber tootsie good morning Tom how -- yeah. -- went on very well.

I say you outdo yourself between reduced yeah I don't I don't know when I'm gonna get lazy and complacent like you know most of us. But it hasn't happened yet not use this week's example the cover story the chosen one of the sixteen year old phenom. Bryce harper which is another --

written Randy Johnson's story from a week or two ago that's true.

About that -- figure that out one way to write about it 45 girl pictured on the 300 win the next week everybody is sixteen year old Michael up more.

Talk to you all about right -- and a minute but the give us at least a couple of Red Sox and other baseball question before we get to the cover story as you can imagine Tom we are immersed in Ortiz talked 247 here in Boston. And I'm wondering since we are stuck in the middle the force and can even see the trees what's the word around Major League Baseball outpost about what's happening to David.

I can tell -- the other people like cut the outside of Boston around baseball realize the Red Sox they're really stuck here. With having to keep running this guy out there and obviously the question is. How long can they afford to do it. And the and obviously the other gotten a lot out of that really take that slackened. And act cannot get the record where it is but. You know people are watching David Ortiz keeps saying he hasn't shown signs on the -- the people are in. Slumped -- seaside. Turn how to pitch every now again that's the patent and Eddie Jones last year the Rangers people are noticing is that he'd still there mechanically it was a net. So I think what baseball people haven't seen. Are those signs that make you believe that you know that the the real -- Ortiz -- yet just around the corner and I think that's the hard part for the Red Sox that. They're relying on history and holt right now that this guy can come around not so much on what is part of.

ultimately the baseball ops people and everybody in the Red Sox organization -- comes to the conclusion that it's going to -- bad you suspected it would be a long DL and a rehab assignment or would they ever released David Ortiz before the season ended.

I don't think it would release stated I thank. I think David means so much that organization I don't know mart did they traded him and let the page at at all or by I think this is even bigger and I just know how much stated means -- obviously means a little bit -- did not hit it hard for someone. Could be you know out areas without going in the life the club houses they've always says when you're not hitting. The but I can't think there's still an element there that people look at David on how to respond to certain situations and I still think there is residual value David Ortiz even if you become a part on wire which I think is the next step I don't think there are closed their release to Asia nor are minor league Jewish and I think we'll probably be scaled it back if that's a little more but I think in the meantime. They've got about a month here to figure out whether they actually have to go out and get a bat for that that this.

obviously it's tough to be a part time player when you're only DH and can't -- he can't run but what if if they do make a move Tom if they go outside for the next DH we've run through the names. On a daily basis here you can only imagine we have beat this in the ground but just a few Victor Martinez Aubrey Nick Johnson. Have you heard anything about potential replacements. As as the as the full time DH the Red Sox.

Well I think Victor Martinez the pipe dream right now I think. You know based on what it -- black talon eclipse -- vector -- it's not going anywhere -- Victor Martinez means as much of that franchise as. They Youkilis Pedroia Ortiz -- I mean not just based franchise he has. Apart all that came clubhouse leader march pirated GM's love them. Now if you want to completely. Overpaid too embarrassing point to get Victor Martinez or maybe a less CU but I don't think you're gonna get an. You know I would suspect that Billy -- out belt when it got to move Matt Holliday earlier rather than later because I don't think it. -- to get back in this epic Billy knows that. I think you're much better opting preemptive in the market been waiting for July went in the -- if you are seen in the -- is already there may have betrayed Naples Florida and but they Holliday probably the first guy he'll be out there.

Now you made that point you wrote that piece on line that if you're if you fading and you really don't have any legit chance to contend now's the time to make the move. Give us an example of a move that you expect any minute now and and and maybe one that involves a Red Sox.

What Mark DeRosa certainly could go any minute I think he's one of those guys that -- most talked about what -- guys in the last year their ideology that directly at any Carroll called off our field Betancourt an ideal. But the relative term hit a perfect midseason pick up for the Red Sox break intended because you -- him at several different position illegitimate that. You know it's -- great city great clubhouse guy. Any negative Mark DeRosa bucket seat in moving. Quickly. You know I think -- yesterday -- surprise may made a lot of sense for the pirates. Some alternate clock running obviously not going anywhere. And it under -- contract that to may. You know I think you're better off selling item clout. And restocking their system -- for one deal that is that's straight to Maine made a lot of sense of both the.

some of the if the Red Sox were willing to part with some of their highly valued highly touted pitching prospects for the stars and planets ever aligned to bring San Diego's Adrian Gonzales here.

You know I think so I think it's probably a long shot but again I think probably an overpaid situation obviously built around pitching San Diego to make -- in very poor farm system I don't think for going to win this year or the next couple years spoke to me. By the time the -- contract runs out eleven or twelve. You know I don't think -- in the in the playoffs in those years and I know it's very hard thing to -- because Adrian really popular out there local guy he's just coming into his -- now. I don't think it's gonna happen but I think that situation where if you wanted to overwhelm a -- you might have a shot I wouldn't completely ruled -- out.

As long as we're talking about the National League west with the first place Dodgers already an amazing nine games up in the standings. Will they get noticeably exponentially better on July 3 Tom.

You know I think a lot depends on how Kuroda threw the ball here the next month or so on the innocent but that there are a little bit short pitching MA guys like -- some milk -- we've heard about well all the sport by. You're talking about at a team that playoff ready. I don't think you're going to veto it got started playoff games so it may get that third guy behind Billingsley behind Kerr shot. If I could very well be Kuroda but the Dodgers are looking and I don't think you'll see it and make a huge move. I think you'll see them get Jake Peavy abacus it and get right -- well I'm but the Dodgers have always been looking for pitching I think they're okay elsewhere. So I think there's -- that died at parties are of middle America agent had power pitcher.

They would watch the tigers struggled the last couple nights. -- and I just I mean I -- first place they don't look like a legitimate contended that. The win the American League go to the World Series win it all and it which raises the question of who wins other than Boston and New York. Who do you see. Representing the American League in the World Series in October.

There's more better choices in the American League and an absolutely expert what he just that is really true that actually. Dodgers there's good night it ain't. But I think actually the tigers have only seen that division Beckett right away with the division about runaway I think. You know when that the two point five and and in -- probably about a ninety went in you know I like what they've done what they're young pitching. You know our land Eric Jackson himself. The bottom and come on back next week and -- they've improved their defects are much better Texas reminds me a lot of what that they did last year where bailout that pitching -- that while it's getting caught up. Well you put people behind them catch the ball. And you pitching and it'll look a lot that are so -- expected tiger -- are that tainted the in the American League central I agree if you don't think there. You know a great team about the high nineties when I became. I think Eric -- could give some people trouble. In the pocono palace statement question where Rick Costello is going to be I don't know what he's -- that gas -- we get there. I don't like twenty years old he'd make it every start this year they're watching it edges itself. I don't think this season. Like a lot of season without at a marring comes that the Yankees red button -- one of those I think one other state in beatle they're.

I'm looking at the hole in your magazine and I know I know you conduct this personally 30341. Major League players were pulled in day. Which team will win the World Series. Robert Boston Red Sox run away with -- with 31%. In the -- 22. Blue jays nine cardinals nine cubs six people look at how the Yankees. Three point 6%. Chose the Yankees was before they got hot let's face it they were loaded. Teixeira and sabathia back then nobody believed in them. What does changed dom I mean now it's like they I mean if you took this poll today they'd probably be number one.

I think you're right I think what changed its Teixeira -- casting usual slow start -- get cut back a lot of the stock got back in the lineup. One got back in a -- to the rotation and he got to that are like Phil Hughes in the bullpen now I think the other thing you'll see is that Joba Chamberlain is only going to throw about a 130 inning this year. So I think in the Yankees get to August they are bought the transition and to us that guy again. Though and good night for months the start pitching at Chamberlain to make series greatest start next year and make thirty starts. But this year I think is listed as the -- stretch comes along and get as opposed didn't situation. They'll go back to have a -- on setting up repair at the end of the game with a rotation as sabathia on net. You know you might choose long. Use your life choices after that but the Yankees can come out. Now with a lot of pure stuff and that's why I think there'll be a dangers -- is --

though one more question about the east do you not see a set of circumstances were Tampa Bay and suddenly get hot and Enron off like 2024. Really jump back in this thing.

You know I think Perez I don't want to write them off because they have just too much talent animated David Price -- just go off here expect -- area from market to other way for BJ -- to do that I'm very surprised that. You know is down the longest he's not but that was the break proposed these at last year and having carried over. But there are what count I just think the way that -- of those -- it's. It's sort of emblematic. Of how hard it is to get back to the World Series and everything that went right for them when nobody missed the start last year. And I just that are doubt that would have a net -- they're double play combination injuries on -- and out of the hands straight out not a big deal but it's one more bank. I'd Kazmir just does not been right mechanically isn't just street. You know just little bankrupt piling up to the -- this year that hadn't happened last year so. I just stick with my preceding pick at that rate it'll probably be about ninety to win came. And all. That have very good game but that division that's not good enough.

cover story this -- Sports Illustrated baseball chosen one -- harper most exciting prodigy since abroad. I read the story that everybody in organized baseball knows about this kid knows his name. I didn't know until I picked up the magazine and and read your great article how are the go did you hear the name a -- harper before you wrote about them.

well I think everybody in baseball basically it people who should know about amateur bit -- director of the out images get out I started hearing about hand. I guess it was late last year and you know it played at those area code games last year -- at a robust start develop parameters kit and then what it really caught fire at least -- on the baseball circles when he went to this home right competition at Tropicana. Edit field on January. Sixteen year old -- And he ages hit the ball where major -- happening -- all I know he's -- that no that's part of the equation but. Though you talk about sixteen year old kid who hit the ball off the back wall Tropicana Field 502. Feet before it hit the bat well. Way out there. 41690. Meter legitimate distances that ballpark. That was the real eye opener for kid who's got that beat. That is over a hundred miles an hour and -- the pop tune of 5% of big league hitters right now the high school sophomore.

And that home run and Tropicana pails in comparison the one that they measured you talk about to begin the story. That he hit a Las Vegas.

170. You know you didn't. It -- believe better not but I do think there's a lot -- Tibet because it keeps hitting a ball indoors that's state level the Tropicana Field Bible to yeah. It's not a stretch to believe that you get they guessed where it you know the -- hot at all definitely carried out there. There may have been a win that -- don't I don't know that. But certainly gets an atmospheric conditions that can add content 15% -- It's certainly within the realm of possibility put it this way -- how -- Google earth and it looked at where the ball hit where they told me the ball and it. And it's legitimate 570. It's all cleared -- five lane highway a couple of sidewalks and to a deserted desert. Absolute bottom.

How worried about the end of a paragraph that you describe. Young sixteen year old Bryce harper and I'm gonna tell you something my my late father was said to me a number of times and back everybody's father sent to a this is from poverty accused covers storage Sports Illustrated -- stands 63 waste to all five has faster bats beat the Mark McGwire in his prime. And run so fast that he scored on wild pitches six times this season from second base. As a catcher he picks off runners from his knees and when he pitches he throws a fastball has been clocked at 96. He does volunteer work. Holds Downey three point five grade point average and attend religious education classes nearly every morning before school and now from my father the late Alpert said if it seems too good to be true it probably.

Like you're like that's sixteen. Like that's the it's -- got -- now. -- again this -- skills are and a picture about five seconds to realize you know as far as. Skill goes in there are charts. But it made in his skills are I was most impressed with -- attitude and it make up his work ethic. And he looks you right EI. While baseball. You can tell you worked extremely extremely part of the game. This is the life and the parents have done an unbelievable job with his -- they are very grounded into a story like this you're right. You know world Senegal we all always look around the corner and say all right what's the real deal what are they hiding no other slave driver -- lower than expected bad. You know why I -- it. It's not -- the -- I think if you are if you -- amateurs yeah are -- in outing director. And you're trying to find the prospect that. Now -- no red flags whatsoever. I think it's fine price harper because I didn't find any thing to be concerned about this kid Andy -- I mean there's no guarantees made the game the humbling game. But apparently -- package he's not --

What did you see the birth certificate so they can -- like a a little post it note.

That -- that he might had a cat two to a shoulder something because you can imagine when he was a kid. He was hitting it into a home run number two -- when he was seven years old. When he was seven. Came in Colorado and California and Utah were calling a family and why -- write the play under ten year old -- Anyone that they'll pay it every year he -- 100 pre game -- usually -- two or 38 years ahead. Brilliant and asked about the birth certificate a whole life.

And -- dom I hate when people say that's the story is easy and you know that the right itself. Work that way you do you do a great job but there's so much material here. I don't you even figured out where to begin. He not tell us. How this is gonna work going forward he according to once scout would go in the top five and other one says top two right behind Strauss -- the cue from. San Diego State with frozen hundred miles an hour and east sixteenth the -- and now. He is he going to try to get. Changed the rules changed the world get to the major leagues early than anyone has since I don't World War II.

What but just let you know used -- at the country obviously. You know other agents signed over the winter a sixty year old -- etiquette pitcher. Gate at about seven million dollars. Obviously can't do that as a kid born in the states on a high school. But what he can do in the family is talking about is getting edgy each day getting it. At that I will quit what they diploma and rolling in junior college in the fall. That way. Play against better competition. Because it not been out quite well all right now. I can play better competition and that he would go into the draft next year I think he'd definitely. It would be the first pick in the draft next year and under that scenario the Washington Nationals. What the first big this year at a later losing games this year -- again next year. They would wind up with -- Scott -- the best pitching prospect may be ever I think he'll be in a major league of what is -- And then vice harper in -- once in a generation type position player prospect that he'd get both those players within twelve months. -- is that both represented by.

Or she took me it was actually almost -- but this would be disappointing to. Price opera because one of his goals people around he'll be glad to know is to play for the New York Yankees to win the pinstripes.

Well I can tell -- it is key to making metals said he saw the movie 61 you know he loved all tradition the old school traditional legacy of the Yankees but. He also told me I -- for the same reason. He really liked the Red Sox still -- he will be playing a game out there this summer amateur game actually benefit game. As that -- park -- excited about that. I may be very happy -- east coast baseball yankees Red Sox obviously is not going to get -- they have free agent. I made going to go on and says first next year or 2011. But yeah it. Visit his top players that he likes are making me at all at Pete rose it says a lot about the way that I've played baseball.

It's that he plays -- your head off.

I have any apps you absolutely cannot said that me hold -- them back you lot of being challenged. Yeah I think is you know. A high school level he plays these summer apartment everybody knows -- this -- yeah it was startled like what Ron white high school ball where everybody. New LeBron James. Let's face because of its policy. As payment and what he's -- people but China take shots that he -- all attack called overrated policy stuff. He played under pressure now for the year and his attitude is pressure Oregon I like it expects a lot of himself. It. That goal to be the greatest player ever let. Very complicated.

All over the years two things in Sports Illustrated have found them themselves in the center of universal criticism that would of course -- the swimsuit issue by a certain segment of population every year and once someone writes a product prodigy story as we all know we can make the list that the side of the road is littered with. Prodigy who never made it how confident argue this it is not one of those people and able flame out at some point.

By the -- prodigy stories as the NBA finals are about to commence with. Kobe versus Dwight Howard I was amazed. That this kid was on the cover this week.

Active network separate -- Obviously to pretty good strategies in basketball by that you guys know that apple lot baseball. I don't -- we've ever put. A baseball player on the cover. Before he was drafted. You know forget about sixty to 78 and org -- Spitzer I don't know that to -- Well let's but again he's so young and baseball does require learning curve nothing is guaranteed packet is cited as we sit here today. Key is absolutely the real deal and in terms that make up and skill he has all the potential to be a huge impact player in Major League Baseball it quickly. About ninety intertwining. I do you compare and somebody like just not been guard Alex Rodriguez. -- has turned out to be pretty good. I would be very surprised that this kid is -- not go back to direct -- Clint Hurdle. I mean -- partly in the major -- are minor league player in. Integrated packet to the big lake -- labeled a can't miss kid. But you know I think this kid and I -- against that a bulk of the people like document based all stalled in the upright.

Well how many. How many strategies Tom don't to make it who don't get her. I mean we always say about Brian Taylor David Klein and obviously pitches -- more susceptible. But how many kids can't miss prospects and miss. Even though they don't get hurt it's rare.

That's a great debt to great point especially when he talked about position players and I know you can go all the way back Aristide -- cockpit trapped in an -- Rickey Jackson went back in his sixties but you know given away scouting -- today given away baseball trading -- I think it's a part of the story -- well this kid has played small much baseball -- but -- and so much. Let's say experience and instruction. And it sort of fast forward to learning curve when it takes place based on I think that's part of what's happening -- immature. It's very rare if you're talking about position player at the top of the draft. To completely went -- I like that pitchers. Yet happened I mean that's the thing about Strasbourg I think he's.

Real deal but you know we heard a lot about Mark Pryor I mean number -- pick up Betemit doll -- supposedly the best prospect ever. The pirates of mine -- and Alpine Taylor got hurt with the Yankees that permits tomato stakes. It's a lot more risky with pitchers a position players it is very rare that he takes some one -- so. Back guys not going to Vegas debate late and aid in Barry Barry did picnic player.

Talk about a question from me what percentage how to -- harper divide his time does is totally behind the plate on the mound and I don't know maybe somewhere else.

Yeah right played third base last year on the sixty and other US state team he played right field and better field. It's kidnapped -- anywhere but his primary position is catcher. I would say he'd probably played about 60% of the time behind the plate I think the baseball outside talk -- that. That's where you leave and for now need to move them later on you will -- you have that kind of bad and you catch you know you talk about it joke our type of player.

And -- is all right -- are -- catching skills and anyway commensurate with the offensive skills at the plate.

Absolutely committed no doubt obviously about the -- I think he had a lot from our obviously in terms of calling game. But apparently people you very ghastly 63 kids you'll five with a very good frame. So -- they kid but he moved extremely well. So yeah I think you'd be set of skills everybody likes.

And he doesn't play football right.

Now -- stepped back. He played and I think it was freshman of the ball -- security tore a ligament in his -- And that was the end of that but. No apparent that about what is -- is that you know put -- plastic -- Protect getting hurt it really does complaints. Based snowboard when -- spring -- ride bikes and things like that but -- while they appropriate packet see that happen again.

ID be very surprised if after seeing himself on the cover Sports Illustrated his head explodes he buys gold chains and nine millimeter and end up making it rain -- strip joint in Vegas wouldn't you.

You know I -- I worried I can't do it they had on Monday night when that it was going to be -- they were just extremely extremely excited. And that they had made a point of saying it already talked writes about the fact that this is gonna.

Give even more attention to you wouldn't you know how to handle it and I think that parents of that tremendous job britney's kids but -- it's your question.

The question yeah I would be very surprised if this kitchen aid is going to have a lot of influence not there. People want it can change. But I think at least he's starting with a very good foundation.

Check it out cover story Sports Illustrated baseball chosen one Bryce are the most exciting prodigy since LeBron James by poverty Tom nice three appreciate that -- talking down the road. Got a coveted seat Sports Illustrated joining Dennis and Callahan on the AT&T -- AT&T your world delivered.