JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 1/10/22

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Luis Robert

2:42

What are my odds of winning MVP?

Ben Clemens

2:42

I don't thikn very high. It's hard to win MVP!

I dunno, 5%? That's probably too high

The Real Ben Clemens

2:44

Most unexpected thing you learned from doing your research on flat sinkers?

Ben Clemens

2:44

So far, I'd say it's that called strike rate varies so much based on the tilt the pitch comes in at

2:45

I just never would have guessed that it mattered so much to hitters

Guest

2:45

Can Connor “Eye” Joe be more than just a role player?

Ben Clemens

2:45

I mean.... I'm just gonna say no

I know that's kinda unsatisfying, but I just don't see it

Cito's Mustache

2:46

My understanding is that FanGraphs has not included park factors in Minor League wRC+. Is that still the case, and can you talk a bit about the reasoning? Thanks, Ben.

Ben Clemens

2:47

That's correct. i'm not exactly sure of the original reason we set it up this way, but basically I think the calculation load is just too high

So we just league-adjust

Clubby Stapp

2:47

Would Pearson, Gurriel, and Kirk get the conversation started with the Guardians on a potential J Ramirez trade?

Ben Clemens

2:47

I think so, but I don't think it would get them over the finish line. Pearson's star has faded

2:48

I still think he's a really intriguing piece but it sounds like he's looked at around the league as more high-impact reliever than top-flight starter these days

Carlos Rodon

2:48

Do I repeat my 2021 numbers? Which team do I pitch for?

Ben Clemens

2:48

I would love to see you on the Angels

And no, but I think you'll be a solid #2/3 starter

White Sox Fan

2:50

Do the White Sox have realistic options to fix RF and 2B? Do they sign another SP?

Ben Clemens

2:50

2B is a tough one

2:51

They must be regretting the Madrigal trade something fierce

I think they'll be in on Michael Conforto if he wants a pillow deal, that would be interesting to me

2:52

And generally speaking, finding someone better than Adam Engel isn't THAT hard

But I think they would look far more complete with Madrigal

Clu Heywood

2:52

Odds the Phillies trade one of their first round pitching draft picks this summer if they have a shot at the playoffs?

Ben Clemens

2:52

If they're competing for the division title, then yeah I think the odds are quite good

They really need to make the playoffs

Owners

2:54

If a soccer-team owning oil sheik or oligarch decided to buy a baseball team and spend whatever it took to dominate, how would other teams respond at the ownership and FO levels?

Ben Clemens

2:54

Steve Cohen is trying this out, at least somehwat

I assume they'd complain and pocket the tax bill

2:55

The CBT structure is pretty good at hamstringing teams who spend a ton of money

Guest

2:55

Is there wRC+ for college hitters that you know of? How valuable would this stat be for player evaluation before the draft?

Ben Clemens

2:55

It might not be publicly available, but a team could hire any random analyst, pay them 60k a year or whatever, and have them make one