JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 12/16/24

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Ben Clemens

2:25

I think that the most surprising storyline for me was Skenes turning into the best pitcher in baseball (ish)

I was too low on him heading into the year

Colton

2:25

The news that the Astros are in on the Arenado sweepstakes (if that's what we're calling them I guess) was not surprising, but the timing seemed off with the moving Tucker directly before it came out. Any ideas on a potential return for him would be when the Cardinals move him?

Ben Clemens

2:26

Yeah.... honestly I could totally see this, the Astros seem to be going full thrift mode out of nowhere

and maybe they can get the Cardinals to eat a bunch of money, kick in some prospects, and do that

one thing I'm curious about is whether they think Paredes can play third

2:27

I think he can, and if he's na average defender out there, I don't quite understand the impetus to move a bunch of pieces to get Arenado

but if they think he's better suited for first base, then I like it more

SPArn

2:27

Did you get a good enough (literal) look at Andres Chaparro in his cup of coffee last season to audibly giggle at the "If Chaparro can play third base" qualifier in today's ZIPS Nationals write up?

Ben Clemens

2:27

I did!

I watched a lot of Nats games in the second half of the year

Dan'l

2:28

What do you suppose is the primary reason for the Cards to move Arenado this offseason? Salary relief? Honor his desire for a winning team? There's a chance Arenado is worth more next offseason, as his average salary is lower and maybe (?) his offense improves in 2025.

Ben Clemens

2:28

Yeah, salary relief and because he asked to be traded

Troy

2:28

The mariners seem to have put it out there that they would trade Luis Castillo for real impact, likely at 3B or 2B. Do you think that trade actually exists? It’s hard to envision prying guys like Westburg or Mayo (who might not even be 3B) from Os or Vientos from the Mets

Ben Clemens

2:28

Nah, I don't see it happening

The Mariners could always completely change their ways, but it's clear that they value pitching EXTREMELY highly

2:29

so sure, they would trade Castillo for real impact

but they might think real impact is like, Brice Turang + Joey Ortiz

Neutral Fans Fan

2:29

Which team has the best bandwagoners to haters ratio going into 2025?

Ben Clemens

2:29

the Padres, maybe?

it's a good question

Danny G100

2:30

I'd like to push back on the Suzuki thing... I think he is the 2nd best hitter on the team and can certainly split time with Tucker in right field. As a cubs fan I would take a lot in return like solid 3rd baseman or a top 2 starter on the rotation

Ben Clemens

2:30

okay, what if he tells you "I don't want to play DH, I'm requesting a trade if I'm not going to be an outfielder"

I think Seiya is great, I'm consistently making dumb predictions about how good he'll be

but I don't know, they're like a fantasy team that accidentally ended up with five first basemen

you can't just go eh, it'll work

2:31

I'd prefer to have all the great players on my team. but I dunno, are you gonna ask Tucker to DH? Bench Ian Happ?

Jazzy

2:31

Is it difficult to move a player like vientos from 3rd to first?

Ben Clemens

2:31

I don't believe so, no

there aren't a lot of examples of guys NOT being able to adapt to first

Northside

2:31

Why the interest in Jesus Luzardo? He’s constantly injured.

Ben Clemens

2:32

so, I'm with you

I just don't see it. But a lot of people do

he has electric stuff and he's had some good results when he can stay healthy, which is definitely infrequently

Jazzy

2:32

Do you think Bergman is beginning to decline? I’m not sold on him for the Mets if they go that way?

john darc

2:32

Sell me on the Yankees needing to crawl to Bregman and pay superstar money for a guy who isn't producing like a superstar

Ben Clemens

2:32

alright, I guess the pitch is this

2:33

Bregman's last three years: 5.4 WAR, 4.5 WAR, 4.1 WAR

Yankees who have hit 4.1 WAR in any of the last three years:

Aaron Judge (3x), Juan Soto

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