JotCast | Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat

Ben Clemens FanGraphs Chat - 9/27/21

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Ben Clemens

2:16

and the Dodgers being Freddie Kruger seemingly (constantly walking at exactly your pace) really adds to the fun

John Paul

2:16

If Seattle signs a big name infielder, do they keep Crawford at shortstop and move the new guy or vice versa?

Ben Clemens

2:18

Depends on who. I think it will just come down to what the person they sign is comfortable with, basically. It's likely that Crawford is a better defender than whoever they would go for but if that guy wants to play short, is it really worth missing out on a target you like over JP Crawford's glove?

Inaccessible Rail

2:18

In the A's defense, Semien looked bad in 2020, and no one thought he'd have a year like he's had.

Ben Clemens

2:19

Well sure, but he could have been way worse than this year's line and still merit a much bigger deal

The deal they offered him wouldn't have landed Trevor Rosenthal, who they were willing to pay more to

That seems wrong?

Fart Barfunkel

2:19

Say i'm a fan of a team in need of a TOTR SP in the off-season but, since they aren't the Dodgers, the chances they sign Scherzer are slim to none, who should I be rooting for as the best consolation prize on the free agent market?

Ben Clemens

2:20

Robbie Ray, maybe? I can definitely convince myself that he's the real deal

robertobeers

2:20

Lorenzo Cain has played for 2 franchises, MIL-KC-MIL (2nd time). He's for 1.6war in a part-time role. Next year is the final year of his deal, if the defense continues to play does he make it to 10 years service? Does he get a 2023 deal?

Ben Clemens

2:20

I think he will make it to ten years for sure, if he's willing to take a part-time role at least.

Appa Yip Yip

2:21

Do you think MLB teams should have clubhouse dogs and cats that hang out in the dugout during games and also provide emotional support after tough losses but mostly hang out in the dugout during games?

Ben Clemens

2:21

I'm more of a dog person than cat person

That said, yes

QBall

2:21

Cubs say they are going to "spend intelligently" this offseason. What do you think that means given their current position?

Ben Clemens

2:22

They'll plow more money into Wrigleyville and maybe take a few Giants-esque fliers on interesting mid-career journeymen

Maybe one interesting player with ties to Chicago to placate the fanbase

joe schlabotnik

2:22

Why are so many folks suggesting corey seager will stay in LA? they have a equal or better shortstop already on the books, plus hes got FA with his brother. What are the odds that two great players, brothers, hit FA at the same time. Why wouldn't they sign together?

Ben Clemens

2:22

I also think that the Dodgers will keep Seager

2:23

He can play 3b eventually, they like the depth, and there's no guarantee Turner stays

Now, if Turner signs an extension first, that changes things a bit

Yankees Injury List

2:23

Moreno or Herrera. Which do you think is more likely to be an impact MLB catcher next year?

Ben Clemens

2:24

Ivan Herrera? I'd definitely take Moreno b/c Molina already signed an extension

And he's not coming back to be a backup

stever20

2:24

Do you think Qualifying Offers will remain a part of the new CBA?

Ben Clemens

2:24

I'll be honest, I don't have information or a view on this either way

Joshua

2:25

Victor Robles would seem to make a lot of sense for a team like Colorado. What would the Rockies have to give up to land him? Thanks.

Ben Clemens

2:26

I can't imagine the Nats are interested in trading him. It would be an extremely sell-low move, and he's only hitting Arb 1 next year. I think they'll give him a bit more time to figure it out, b/c his pedigree is obviously high but he has been wow really bad of late

Inaccessible Rail

2:26

Read your article on the decline of the IBB. Isn't the Zombie Runner rule going to save the IBB?

Ben Clemens

2:26

Covered in there, but that rule is likely going away next year

Trent

2:26

I would love to see teams adopt bat dogs like some minor league teams have. Think that dream comes to fruition?

Ben Clemens

2:26

I don't. Maybe briefly, but it just feels more like a minor league cute thing than a big league going concern to me

Dr Doolittle

2:27

If service time manipulation is no longer a thing, is Julio Rodriguez on the opening day roster in 2022?

Ben Clemens

2:27

I think he probably would be, at least to see what they have. That said, uh, it is still a thing, and I can't imagine much of a chance that the CBA changes THAT much

jimd

2:28

hi Ben - first timer here tho I enjoy your chats. Harrison Bader 1.055 OPS in Sept but is home this week where he has a 561 OPS compared to 984 away OPS. Do you buy into Sept performance or accept that he struggles at home where he will be on this last week of the season?

Ben Clemens

2:29

I accept neither! I think that Bader is a pretty good hitter, .800 OPS type, but I don't buy either the 'oh he's hot in September so he'll keep it going' or those home/road splits

QBall

2:29

If the Nationals are still bad the next couple years, should they entertain trade offers for Juan Soto?

Ben Clemens

2:29

2:30

Just, no

Cube Jockey

2:30

Waino or bullpen it for the WC game?

Connecting…