JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 12/7/20

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Ben Clemens

2:30

I don't think that'd be terrible

Assuming no DH

It's wasteful but not as much as you'd think, there are benefits to keeping everyone fresh

Toshi

2:30

How likely will it be that we'll see 162 games in 2021?

Ben Clemens

2:31

I would guess closer to 150, but I truly have NO idea on this one

I'm just making it up

I have as much info on it as you do, presumably

Frah

2:31

I feel like many prospects have lost hype in 2020 but it seems quite high on Torkelson still. Do you see any reason to justify it?

Ben Clemens

2:32

I mean, his hype is probably roughly where it was before the draft given that he didn't play afterwards? And I think this is just an artifact of there not being an MiLB season. I think that the hype will return to normal levels in 2021 unless I'm missing something

Evan

2:34

Who's making the Hall of Fame this year?

Ben Clemens

2:34

I think I'll actually say no one. I think Rolen has an okay shot, but no one seems like the safe bet

DRB

2:34

Do you think pre-draft velo is less important than it ever was because teams can just create a program to get a kid to throw with more velo with proper training? Is thee any known limits on how much velo a kid can gain?

Ben Clemens

2:35

Well, yes and no. Yes because of the reason you said -- teams are getting better at teaching velocity. No because college and high school kids are increasingly already using those methods. It's not a binary yes/no, it depends a lot on teams looking at a player and estimating whether they think they can add velo

2:36

Like if you see a guy who throws 93 but is already training at Driveline and using a velo-maximizing delivery

You probably shouldn't project him to hit 99

On the other hand, some raw high schooler hitting 93 but with changeable mechanics, maybe that's more interesting

ChaimB

2:36

So I am in a big market. Our tv ratings are down. We just traded the best player we've had perhaps ever. Why wouldn't I sign Springer?

Brad of The Rip Griffin Show

2:37

What moves do you feel the Red Sox making

Ben Clemens

2:37

Best player the Red Sox have had perhaps ever feels like a strong statement

They've had both Babe Ruth and Ted Williams!

But yeah, from a baseball standpoint I totally agree

I think it's more of an ownership decision than a GM decision, though

2:38

I think they're gonna keep small-balling it, no big additions, maybe trade another contract

Appa Yip Yip

2:38

White Sox (say they) are out on Springer because they don't think he's a center fielder. Do you agree with them?

Ben Clemens

2:38

I brought this up in a previous chat, though I'm not sure which one

I think Springer is already borderline in CF

and that if you think he's a serviceable CF for more than 1 year on average, you're probably higher on his defense than I am

2:39

Now, he's still a nice corner bat and glove

But generally speaking, I don' think he'll stick in center very long, and I'd 100% keep Robert there over him

Red Sox

2:39

Re: Red Sox a lot of people forget Bloom isn't the GM, rather Brian OHallahoran or whatever his name is. However, Bloom gets all the press and attention. Does anybody know how much of a say OHallawhatever actually has compared to Bloom?

Ben Clemens

2:39

Oh right, President of Baseball Operations or Team President or something

Honestly, I don't know how much input GM's have in teams with super-GM positoins.

2:40

Probably a good question for Ken Rosenthal or Jeff Passan or someone with access to ask those guys

I'm a lowly guy on the internet who writes articles about regressions

Kiermaier's Piercing Green Eyes

2:40

Torkelson was supposed to be announced as a third batsman. You know, the guy who bats third. There was a miscommunication somewhere.

Ben Clemens

2:40

Naturally, naturally

Chris

2:41

You said you think the season will be 150 games, and that teams aren't wanting to give the players the dh unless they get something. Isn't a handful of games the trade-off? What's the number of games that equal 15 new jobs?

Ben Clemens

2:41

Sorry, I'm not exactly sure what the trade is here

Who's offering who what in exchange for what?

I thikn both the owners and the players want to play as many games as possible, and that they simply might not be able to

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