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Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 4/21/25

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Ben Clemens

2:59

that was one of the worst four-game stretches you can imagine

luckily it was four games

Bob

2:59

Mets Acuna seems like he’s a major league hitter recently. With the injury to Siri, will Acuna get a chance to show what he can do at this level in CF. His speed on the bases is a welcome addition to the Mets offense. Baty has also looked a little better as a hitter recently. The offense might finally be heating up.

Ben Clemens

2:59

Yeah I think that the path of least resistance is McNeil 2B Acuna CF

3:00

I don't know if I buy Acuna as an impact bat, but hoenstly I don't really care? I definitely think he's a skilled defender and gifted baserunner

Bosoxforlife

3:00

Is the failure of Julio Rodriquez to find his footing beginning to concern you?

Ben Clemens

3:01

I'm willing to give him longer given that his contact quality is still excellent, and it feels like he's mainly just suffering from a BABIP hole. Like, I don't think he'll always babip .330 like his career average but he's a naturally high-babip hitter imo

but like, this year is a put up or shut up one, for sure

johnnyheller

3:02

thoughts on A Verdugo in Atlanta? He might be a season long staple in their OF...

Ben Clemens

3:02

yeah a staple of the Braves in recent years has been some random veteran turning into their best option in an outfield corner

and then getting a crazy amount of PT

so I am in on him being that guy

Toronto

3:02

I’d love to see us trade Bo and Bassitt to retool but it’s looking like we’ll be buyers at the deadline. Do you see the jays going after Alcantara? Seems like we always miss out so we’ll probably end up with a Tony Gonsolin type.

Ben Clemens

3:02

Yeah i think buying at the deadline is most likely unless they're way out of it

but honestly, I'd be interested in Gonsolin!

3:03

he's this generation's Ross Stripling (complimentary)

Matt

3:03

Andrew Abbott has missed a lot more bats in his two starts so far than he has in his past. Change-up usage is up but fastball velo is down. As someone who has never been too high on Abbott, should I put more stock into him learning how to pitch?

Ben Clemens

3:03

probably but I'd also give him, say, two more starts

because everyone can walk into their changeup missing extra bats for a start or two

Sven Clemens

3:03

are you out on taj Bradley? the stuff is not as advertised and the command grades poorly by models despite the walk rates

Ben Clemens

3:03

I'm leaning out

3:04

remember, a key part of being an analyst is being wishy-washy in your conclusions because baseball is fundamentally variable and unknowable

and on that lovely note, it's time for me to go pick up some pinecones in the yard

wait, one last answer first!

Phil

3:04

How come different people win the running marathon every year but the wheelchair race has alternated between two guys for like 15 years? Is it just that the talent pool is smaller?

Ben Clemens

3:04

yeah that'd be my guess

3:05

it's like the race for the ERA title vs. the race for the ERA title among knuckleballers, or something. one group has a much more constrained population so a standout athlete stands out more

alright, have a great day everyone

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