JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 1/27/25

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Ben Clemens

2:52

well, as I understand it, the minor league strike zone is now defined by your height

for ABS

2:53

so, it would be counterproductive

and I think that's good!

two guys who are 6'0" each shouldn't have wildly different strike zones b/c one stands stupidly

2:53

Often I see baseball writers say things to the extent of, “Don’t get mad at the Dodgers/Mets/Yankees ownership, get mad at the owners who sit on their piles of money.” There’s an implicit argument that there’s something fans should do to hold those owners accountable. Given the percentage of people who’ll show up to or put on a game regardless of whether the team’s any good or not, what do you think fans can do (if anything) to pressure those owners beyond calling them cheap on Twitter?

Ben Clemens

2:53

sadly, I don't really

the system is not set up in a way where there's an effective way to push back on these guys

2:54

their money is guaranteed by the league, their fanbase doesn't matter all that much

I wish taht weren't the case, I just don't see a good way to do anything

Alec

2:54

If a deadline to sign free agents were put in place, would it be more beneficial for players (teams have to get to BAFO sooner, bids increase) or owners (teams collectively offer less rich deals with shorter window of back-and-forth)? Feels like it would definitely be pro-fan

Ben Clemens

2:54

I think that it would be pretty neutral

and just compress things down

Justin

2:54

What's one thing that you think teams (and / or fangraphs nerds) rightfully value that your casual fan really doesnt? my guess is "the value of a 40 man roster spot".

Ben Clemens

2:55

yeah, a lot of roster gimmickry

I mean, still the value of a walk

OBP is a good stat

that is still definitely undervalued

Gabe

2:55

Two players that struggled in 2024. Noelvi Marte and Jordan Walker. Is there still hope?

Tony LaRussa

2:55

Jordan Walker, any chance he lives up to expectations? Or enough sample to call him a bust? He hit poorly in the minors after being sent down

Ben Clemens

2:55

I'm gonna give both another year

but I'm down on each of them a TON

Walker's minor league season was a really bad sign to me

look at ZiPS today... ew

2:56

and Marte, he's in a tough spot b/c he'll lose his job if he's bad

Something clever

2:56

Overall opinion on AJ Preller's entire body of work going back to when he was first hired in SD?

Ben Clemens

2:56

high risk, high reward, I'd be happy to have him GM my team b/c baseball is about entertainment and he produces it

Stearns vs Boras

2:56

Which side do you lean towards: Pete Alonso is only worth the current market value of 1B hence the 3/70 offer or Pete is one of a select few players in MLB with a legit 50HR ceiling and should be paid above his perceived market value.

Ben Clemens

2:56

I'm writing an article about this literally right now

2:57

or well, no, I was writing it at 10:59 and I'll start again when the chat is over

so.... stay tuned and read what I think tomorrow

Quinn

2:57

You mentioned Enrique Bradfield for the Padres in a Cease deal. You think he's ready

Ben Clemens

2:57

I do not

but I'm not the prospect guy, I'd say ask Eric

Colton K

2:58

What is your fix for the Yankees at 2B/3B? I've been clamoring for them to sign Ha-Seong Kim all off-season. Let Peraza play there until Kim comes back from injury, keep Chisholm at 3B.

Ben Clemens

2:58

I like that

spaceman

2:58

Optionable relievers - I think a lot of casual fans don't understand how valuable optionable relievers are.

Ben Clemens

2:59

yeah. that was one i considered before I decided OBP was more fundamental

but yeah, that's 'roster gimmickry' imo

but very important

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