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Balls mahoney

9:34

I know that the Mariners are probably out of money and are high on Marte, but at what $ point does Ian Desmond make some sense considering giving up the draft pick as well? A three or four year deal in this Cano-Cruz-King window makes sense no?

Paul Swydan

9:34

No, I don't think that is the right play for Seattle.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:35

Not really. Keep Marte and spend the money (if they have it) on a starter

Who_Is_Zorbist?

9:36

"The field dimensions are within the range found optimal by FIFA: 110–120 yards (100–110 m) long by 70–80 yards (64–73 m) wide". Does London have a stadium large enough to hold a baseball field? We can play exhibitions with smaller than normal fields, but you need 40 feet behind home plate, and can't have CF only be 300 ft deep in a MLB game.

Paul Swydan

9:36

I mean, it's a big city, I'm sure they have a field big enough somewhere. I wouldn't worry about that end of it.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:37

Agree

Aaron

9:37

Some national writers look for TEX to be a strong contender. Steamer and ZIPS are less optimistic. And, of course, D. Cameron is on record that they are "bad," their division title was due entirely to luck and sequencing. Your thoughts?

Paul Swydan

9:38

Pretty sure Dave expressed optimism for the Rangers in his chat last week. Either way, I lean toward Texas being a contender. Perhaps not a *strong* contender, but a team right in the thick of it for sure.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:39

I think they could repeat. Darvish will help and they sent a ton of players to the DL last year. Also, they have 3 studs in the upper minors who can help.

Tom Brunansky

9:39

I have sometimes tried to explain baseball to British people. I have seldom found anything so frustrating. They don't get it at all, but the one thing they're sure of is that it's stupid. A lot of that is because to them it seems to vaguely resembles rounders, which they think of as a kids' game. And they can't understand the count, because there's nothing equivalent in cricket.

Paul Swydan

9:39

I mean, I'm sure there are British people who love baseball. The BBC has broadcast baseball in the past, and done a good job of doing so. I just would go to other markets first is all.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:39

Their loss

Jamie

9:40

Early on, it looks like Mookie Betts is ranked as a top 5 OF across most sites going into 2016. What say you?

Paul Swydan

9:40

I think he can be. Top five may be a bit strong at the moment though. Let's say top 10. :-)

Jeff Zimmerman

9:41

probably in the 5th to 10th range

natsfan

9:41

Bullpen question: I play in a 10-team AL-only keeper league. $280 cap, 25 man rosters (extra pitcher and utility). I have Miller $10, Robertson $19 and Sanchez $3. Many closers available (Chapman, Kimbrel, K-Rod, Perkins, plus the unsettled TOR/SEA/OAK/TEX pens? Are any of my guys worth keeping?

Paul Swydan

9:42

Yeah I would hang on to Robertson at least.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:43

Keep Robertson for now. Sanchez is pretty cheap for $3 also (could start)

Sad Sam

9:43

How long until Yoan Mocada is an every day player? First call up?

Paul Swydan

9:44

I would say probably 2017 at the earliest. If the Sox contend as planned this season, I don't see them bringing him up, assuming everyone is healthy.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:45

Late season call-up, 2017 regular. Contact issue are keeping him down longer.

Sad Sam

9:45

Do you see Blake Swihart changing postions? I can't see where he would go. LF? 1B?

Paul Swydan

9:45

No, why would he change positions? Didn't Farrell just annoint him the starting catcher.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:46

Not this early in his career.

GoRox

9:46

What kind of package will Colorado get for Dickerson?

Paul Swydan

9:47

It seems that the Rockies are targeting pitching in every trade. This isn't exactly unwise, but trading the guy who is one of your three best hitters to get more pitching strikes me as counterproductive.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:48

I figured they could get a decent haul, but the Rockies will hold out for as much pitching as possible.

Sad Sam

9:49

Do the Red Sox have a top 5 defensive OF w Castillo, Betts, Bradley and Young?

Paul Swydan

9:49

It's a strong possibility, yes.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:50

Probably, Pirates and Royals are also in the discussion

Jojo

9:51

Cameron and Cistulli were talking Rockies on the podcast, mentioned how their geographical situation and altitude puts them at a huge disadvantage. One presumes this applies to Mexican baseball as well, especially since the Red Devils play in Mexico City at 7300 ft. Has there been any investigation/study into stat lines in the Mexican league that could possibly shine line on the Coors conundrum?

Paul Swydan

9:51

Not that I'm aware of, no. Anyone else?

Jeff Zimmerman

9:51

None I know of

Ed in Iowa

9:52

If the 10 or so primary Fangraphs writers were a major league front office would they be league average? Better? Or is there some area of expertise that is woefully lacking from the group?

Paul Swydan

9:53

Player development would be a big challenge.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:53

Missing connections to others in the industry which normal front office people have

Fogcode

9:54

If Reyes starts the year suspended who do the Rockies open with at shortstop?

Paul Swydan

9:54

Unfortunately, it'd probably be Daniel Descalso.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:55

Can't we hope on Story?

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