JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 12/14/20

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Ben Clemens

2:48

I think it could be cool, but it just wouldn't fit within the confines of the way baseball is organized

Rollie's Mustache

2:48

I agree with you that MLB is content to let pitchers use substances. But isn't there a concern that Bauer's secret sauce becomes the norm? (and why wouldn't it, considering the results he had) I feel like such a large spike to spin rate across baseball would lead to even fewer balls in play. Or would that not be the case?

Ben Clemens

2:48

I think there's a good argument thath Bauer's secret sauce *is* the norm

And that he was playing with a disadvantage

2:49

Eno reported on this, if you have an Athletic subscription

https://theathletic.com/2183861/2020/11/09/pitchers-pine-tar-grip-mlb-...

I will excerpt the first line of it, which I'm confident Eno would be fine with.

"Your favorite pitcher is probably cheating."

Some Guy

2:50

If it makes you feel better you can read the first several lines without a subscription

Ben Clemens

2:50

Excellent!

Farhandrew Zaidman

2:51

Does Gavin Lux need to play at least replacement level this year in order to avoid being labeled a bust? Defensive errors and bat-to-ball skill problems seem to be creeping up on him.

Ben Clemens

2:52

I think that's a fair assessment

That isn't to say that he can't be bad this year and then subsequently good

But in terms of being labeled a bust, he's starting to teeter there

I do not think that it's a good thing that the Dodgers just didn't want him, more or less, on the squad this year

Bookie Metts

2:52

What do you think has been the most underrated trade/signing we have seen so far this offseason?

Ben Clemens

2:52

I'm digging through Roster Resource right now to see if anything truly stands out

2:53

Oh, I have a good one

I think it's Adam Eaton

People *hated* that signing

I think it's above average

The amount of people who are just not into it surprises me

Like, sure, they could go get George Springer

2:54

Short of that, Eaton gives you most of the upside of anyone available, and is cheap and available now

Isolated Thinker

2:54

Do you think Pujols will once again platoon with Jared Walsh? It was practically an even split between them. They really should just start the post-Pujols era one year early and bring in a better platoon option. Despite his salary he has no business in regular lineups. Angel fans deserve better. Your thoughts?

Ben Clemens

2:54

I thikn they'll stick it out with Pujols

2:55

And honestly, I think seeing living legend Albert Pujols is kinda cool! It's different now that it's only one year

If they had done it three years ago, sure

Now, eh, let him take his bows

Pleeeeeease don't bring him back after this year though

Moose_Bolton

2:56

What is your favorite minor league team name?

Ben Clemens