JotCast | Dan Szymborski FanGraphs Chat

Dan Szymborski FanGraphs Chat - 11/12/18

Dan Szymborski

12:00

It's a' me, Mario!

OK, not really.

12:01

I'm going to hold off the off-topic questions until we get to the Lightning Round.

Ginny

12:01

do you think "extremely available for trade" Kole Calhoun has a market? and does the Angels trying to trade him give indication of their actions in the FA market?

Dan Szymborski

12:02

I think he has *some* market, but I think it's wishful thinking on the Angels if they think someone's going to pay as if the first half of 2018 never happened.

I'm not sure it makes a lot of sense for the Angels to trade him.

Unless, naturally, someone gives them something stupid for him.

12:03

But you can say that about everyone.

Ozzie Ozzie Albies Free

12:03

A while back you mentioned you get the Short Circuit newsletter. I subscribed and love it. Any other recommendations like that?

Dan Szymborski

12:03

Not really as I'm not a law-talking guy. But I got used to seeing those on Volokh over the years, so I subscribed to the newsletter myself. They highlight some interesting and funny cases.

Fred

12:04

Dustin Fowler -- AAAA guy or just growing pains?

Dan Szymborski

12:05

I don't think he's a star, but I still think he'll end up a credible major leaguer and well better than his 2018 intermezzo.

brad

12:07

Dan what is your take on Rodgers vs Tucker. Seems like Rodgers in Colorado at MI could be a stud, but so far not huge numbers in AAA, vs Tucker mashed everywhere but not great numbers in first cup of coffee?

Dan Szymborski

12:07

Kind of a random comparison, no?

Both will be fine and I wouldn't care about Tucker's cup of coffee.

Tucker's offensive upside is, of course, extremely high.

I feel better about Tucker's *organization* than that of Rodgers

Will

12:08

Thoughts on 3 zWAR/600 PA legend Esteban Quiroz?

Dan Szymborski

12:09

I'm a bit confused, ZiPS projected him at 0.4 zWAR coming into 2018 (in like 350 PA)

Del Mar

12:09

The Padres could trade Mackenzie Gore and still have the number one system. That is all.

Dan Szymborski

12:09

It's an excellent system. The nice thing about the Padres pitching is while they haven't graduated much of it yet, they've got strength in numbers.

Jim Leyland Palmer

12:09

It makes sense for the Tigers to shop Nick Castallanos this winter. But what kind of market is there for a 1-year rental of a quality bat, with atrocious corner outfield defense? Can they realistically expect any kind decent return?

Dan Szymborski

12:10

I think there would be *some* interest in him as a corner outfield, DH, but far less than the Tigers hope for and I imagine they just hold onto him

Rick Hahn

12:10

1) I have the money and opportunity to sign Bryce Harper. Can I influence him with the clear talent in the minors that is near to the majors, or do I have to just blow him away with money

Dan Szymborski

12:10

You're not going to get many discounts with that really

12:11

WILL Hahn be given that much authority to spend that much money? I hear it being talked about, but I'm not sure it's not just wishful thinking

LFC Mike

12:11

A very heartfelt Happy Veterans Day to all that have served and their families.

Stevil

12:11

Hey Dan, I'm curious what you think of the swap involving Plassmeyer and Fraley. Fair deal?

Dan Szymborski

12:12

I thought it was reasonable given what both teams needed.

The Mariners seem determined that the Gordon-in-CF experiment is over

12:13

And Kiermaier leaves little room for the Rays to get maximum value out of Mallex

Marc

12:14

When does free agency actually start? I thought it was around the beginning of November but I haven't seen signings by any team yet, even minor ones.

Dan Szymborski

12:14

It's already started.

Rick Hahn

12:14

2) If I can sign Harper/Machado, but instead I can get a combo of Corbin/Happ, McCutchen, Eovaldi, which option is best. Both hypothetical obviously

Dan Szymborski

12:15

I think in the *White Sox* case, I might go the latter. It really comes down to the team.

Jake

12:15

A study that I think would be fascinating and, to my knowledge, hasn't yet been undertaken: Testing the actual value that teams have received by manipulating service time for top prospects. I would suspect that the value in avoiding "super 2" status is much more significant than retaining a 7th year (call it the Kris Bryant Rule). I also don't suspect that there will be enough data points to make any rock solid conclusions.