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Chat with MLBTR's Steve Adams 3/2/21
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Steve Adams
3:12
I can see arguing for that. I can also see arguing that with the increased home run output, it's also more valuable to convert as many balls in play as possible to outs. I haven't seen the numbers on that run, but it'd be interesting to look through.
historyofwesteros
3:13
Doesn't it seem the Reds "salary dumping as much as possible" has been overstated? Yes, they've barely added anything but "as much as possible" so far has been trading Iglesias and that's about it.
Steve Adams
3:14
Yeah, it was an overstatement. I'll admit that. They didn't dump Gray or Castillo.
Jim
3:14
Is Pujols' playing in 2022 a choice he'll actually get to make, or will it be made for him by the 30 GMs?
Steve Adams
3:14
I have a hard time seeing much interest next winter.
PJ
3:14
if pache starts in CF, then inciarte becomes an $8M pinch runner. They should trade him if that's the case.
Steve Adams
3:14
I agree that they should trade Inciarte.
3:15
But if they can't, and Pache is the better player, they should still start Pache.
Dale
3:15
I hate the shift, because it is killing the action in the game, and heavily penalize guys like Schwarber,  but don't know how you eliminate it. Can you require people to remain within certain zones? 2 in fielders on each side of the diamond?
Steve Adams
3:17
The shift has been around forever; it's just informed by data now. None of us complained about bringing the corners in during bunt situations, playing "no doubles" defense late in games, etc. when we were growing up. The very positioning of the defenders was arbitrarily decided upon as a means of covering the field evenly. I think they should let defenders position themselves where they want -- I'm not a ban the shift guy.
queuebd
3:18
Giants should target Inciarte? he's a good defensive fit for Oracle Park, right?
Steve Adams
3:19
Sure. Inciarte is overpaid, but he's still a good defender who was a serviceable (90 to 95 wRC+) hitter up until 2019. If some club acquired him for nothing more than a couple million in salary relief, I'd think that was a fine move.
Tim
3:19
Curious to see if you still get people asking "the Angels should trade Trout" questions.
Steve Adams
3:19
Oh yeah. All the time.
Scuffy Mcgee
3:20
Jose Garcia, not a good SS or just not good yet?
Steve Adams
3:20
I think he'll be a good player.
Guest
3:21
How about Inciarte to the Mariners to fill LF until Kelenic is ready, and then 4th OF?
Steve Adams
3:21
Jake Fraley can probably do that as it is. Or Braden Bishop. I doubt Kelenic is down long -- if at all at this point.
bmcferren
3:21
Gregory Polanco with 50 homeruns in 2021? Heard it here first...
Steve Adams
3:21
I will give you all the credit in the world if this happens.
Adam
3:22
Do you think Joey Bart ends up the full time C in SF by midseason?
Steve Adams
3:23
I can see it, but he also showed last year that he can benefit from some additional minor league time. If he's hitting well, they can at least use him and Posey in a relatively even split.
Quinn Priester
3:23
Any chance at all I make the majors this year?
Steve Adams
3:24
Twenty years old, four innings in A-ball and on a Pirates team that has no incentive to start his service clock.
Can't see it.
Guest
3:24
Should the St. Louis Cardinals go after Jake Odorizzi?
Steve Adams
3:24
I find the price tag on Odorizzi reasonable at $39-45M over three years, and I think he'd be an upgrade for most teams in the league. You could swap out the Cardinals for pretty much any quasi-contender, and I'd say "Yeah I think that makes sense."
Mike
3:25
Braves projected 4th in the division according to PECOTA. You honestly see that as a possibility?
Steve Adams
3:26
As a possibility? Sure. As a likelihood? No; they're my pick to win the division, but injuries can wreck a good team in a hurry.
Jacked up Tiger fan
3:27
Have you heard any rumors about changes to the manipulation of the service time rule in the bargaining next year? I’ll be shocked if we bring Manning up early
Steve Adams
3:27
Nah, nothing along those lines yet -- just that it will be a significant issue in discussions.
queuebd
3:28
If Posey retires at year end, does he make the HOF?
Steve Adams
3:28
He'd get my (nonexistent) vote.
Grant
3:29
Is anyone willing to take a shot on Roberto Osuna?
Steve Adams
3:29
When he's healthy, I'm sure someone will based on his track record on the mound.
Adam Steves
3:30
Rather than ban the shift, hitters need to adjust to it
Steve Adams
3:31
While I don't advocate for banning the shift, I also think it's an oversimplification to say hitters should just adjust. It's a lot harder to hit the ball the other way when pitchers are averaging 95 mph with wipeout breaking pitches, and hitters are constantly being challenged by fresh relievers who throw even *harder* and are better matched up against their personal weaknesses (be it handedness, a certain type of breaking pitch, etc.) Also a lot harder to bunt in those spots.
I'd still like to see more guys bunt down the 3B line into the shift though.
3:32
Or at least try to
3:34
Alright, I've got to wrap this up for the week. You can ask me more questions or yell at me for hating your team on Twitter @Adams_Steve. Connor will do another free chat on Thursday and host a subscriber chat on Friday. Mark will chat over the weekend, and I'll be back next week.

Thanks so much everyone! Enjoy your week and enjoy Spring Training!
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