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Craig Edwards FanGraphs Chat--12/17/2020
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Springer
2:47
I know it sounds really counterintuitive, but shouldn’t the Nats target defense at our position player holes because of the exponential nature of run scoring? They are best at run prevention, so we should double down on run prevention, and those are our biggest holes. There is more value for the Nats at run prevention compared to run scoring.
Craig Edwards
2:48
But are the Nationals best at run prevention because of what their defense does or because the rotation strikes out so many players without the help of the defense at all. I think the Nationals don't need to go with a bat or defense particularly and instead can just get the best player possible without trying to double down.
alan giggs
2:48
Hi Craig, I have a question about platoon splits. Can hitters actively change their splits? I saw an article on THT that showed maybe that aging players can hang on to jobs by becoming a bench bat and just really improving how they are against one hand type pitcher. Can younger players work on it more and level out their splits though if they have big differences? Or if they struggles against lefties will they just always struggle
Craig Edwards
2:49
There are ways to get better, yes, but it is also important to remember, particularly with lefties, that it take a long time to figure out if a player needs to be platooned. They just simply haven't had the practice against the elite level of pitching and it can take some time to adjust.
Kate
2:49
Should we be more concerned about Clevinger's TJ given that it's his second?
Craig Edwards
2:50
Some concern yes, but most of that is more longer term than in the next 2-3 years.
Guest
2:50
Do you think Ohtani pitches again?
Craig Edwards
2:50
I sure hope so.
Tom
2:50
Do you believe in Hosmer's launch angle change?
Craig Edwards
2:51
It is a small sample, but he was so extreme before this, it is hard not to see something there.
James Harden's Belly
2:51
If you had to place a significant money bet right now, do you think we end up with a universal DH in 21?
Craig Edwards
2:51
Do not use this chat for gambling advice, but I would imagine that there is eventually the universal DH, but it doesn't get announced until spring.
Guest
2:51
How do you see young talent like Carlson and Adell developing after last year. Does the weird season have any effect on the traditional development curve?
Craig Edwards
2:52
I'm sure it has an effect, but I would expect them to still reach their expectations and be good players as soon as next season.
Bookbook
2:53
Projection for Kyle Lewis in 2021?
Craig Edwards
2:53
Average overall with the bat and as a player.
Guest
2:53
Is there a target year when deferred money is likely to finally bite the Nats in the butt?
Craig Edwards
2:54
I doubt it. They can just keep deferring it if they want. I think part of the reason for those deferrals was due to their tv dispute with Baltimore. Those issues should be mostly behind them.
Appa Yip Yip
2:54
Bo Bichette all star 2b after jays trade for Lindor obviously
Craig Edwards
2:55
Second base would be a lot easier, yes.
James Harden's Belly
2:55
Follow-up....Wouldn't you be pissed off if you were an NL exec who had been told to "move forward with the assumption that there will not be a DH" only to find out at such a late phase that it will be implemented once again?  Seems like a major change to how one would construct a roster.
Craig Edwards
2:55
Perhaps somewhat, but all other NL execs are on the same playing field so it shouldn't affect competition too much.
Rusty Trombone
2:56
Any update on Michael Kopech?  Do the White Sox plan on having him in the rotation this year after his Covid opt-out?
Craig Edwards
2:56
That is the plan, as far as I know.
Filthy Lopez
2:57
Will Hunter Greene get a cup of coffee in 2020?  Seems like it has been an eternity since he was drafted.
Craig Edwards
2:58
It was 2017, which probably feels like an eternity, but he's just 21 years old and doesn't even turn 22 until next August and is coming off Tommy John surgery. You might have to wait a few more years.
James Harden's Belly
2:58
2nd follow up.....this DH situation is also affected by the amount of inter-league play.  In an assumed 162 game 21 season, will MLB most likely implement a similar regional schedule to what we saw in 20?
Craig Edwards
2:58
I assume it will be a normal schedule this year.
Sam
2:59
Who has the best infield in baseball?
Craig Edwards
3:00
Without catcher, probably Astros. With it, maybe White Sox. Twins are solid all around, Some teams like Dodgers Yankees, A's are very good but probably aren't done with the offseason.
6'11" Bottom
3:01
Were you surprised that KC non-tendered Franco?
Craig Edwards
3:01
Maybe a little, as he was an above-average hitter, but maybe they just thought they'd try and see if they could catch lightning, didn't quite materialize so they moved on.
kcbg
3:02
Given their recent bullpen moves, if the Mariners were to sign two fan favorites, Nellie Cruz and Taijuan Walker, and Gilbert comes up late May and pitches pretty well, what are the chances they could slide into the playoffs as a wild card team next year?
Craig Edwards
3:02
Would really need pitching to work out well and get off to a hot start and have expanded playoffs. I'd look more for 2022.
3:03
Have to get going. Thanks for all the questions.
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