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Zorn

9:49

How confident are you in Davis lasting the year as Cubs closer? You like Carl Edwards?

Paul Swydan

9:50

Not super confident. But I do like Edwards, yes. Not sure if he's definitely the 2nd choice though.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:50

58%: http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/how-teams-initial-closers-performed/

or 55%

Matt Malkus

9:50

Watching Balentien tear up the WBC and seeing guys like Thames and Casey McGehee come back from overseas and land modest contracts, do you think the quality of hitting in the NPB/KBO has improved in recent years? Or is this just a result of more time/money/effort spent scouting over there / some other external force?

Paul Swydan

9:51

Well, as Sung-min Kim detailed yesterday at THT, one thing is that before 2014, KBO teams didn't really use American hitters. So giving more of those guys an opportunity to hit over there probably helped.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:51

I think teams are more willing to take a chance on players after a few have been successful.

Rated Rookie

9:52

11-team league where up to 16 keepers slot in as first 16 draft picks, would you keep or cut: M. Fulmer, Stroman, Rodon, McCullers, Taillion?

Paul Swydan

9:52

All of those guys are probably first 16 round pick worthy. Not sure you need all of them though.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:53

I'd keep them all for now.

Dago

9:53

Better odds for 2017: Stanton healthy ALL year OR Rich Hill eclipsing 120 IP?

Paul Swydan

9:53

I'll say Hill.

9:54

But neither is super likely.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:54

Stanton easily, probably 3 times more likely knowing historical injury data.

Petey Pablo

9:54

Can Trevor Story hit 40 bombs this season?

Paul Swydan

9:55

He certainly could, but I wouldn't bank on it.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:55

I would take the under.

Friend

9:56

AL only keeper $260: Pick one side Andrew Miller $6, happ $3 & Trumbo $18 or Jose Ramirez $6, j dyson $15 & Trevor baur $4?

Paul Swydan

9:56

The Miller/Happ/Trumbo side, and I say that as someone who loves Dyson.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:56

Seems fine either way. Seems like a trade just to trade

mark

9:57

Is Cody Bellinger's spring making you question his ability to hit major league pitching?

Paul Swydan

9:57

No spring training would ever make me do that.

Keith Foulke had like an 81 ERA in 2004.

2004 spring training i mean

Jeff Zimmerman

9:58

Nope and he will have some swing and miss months in his future. Just ride him out for a full good season (if called up)

Bucco

9:58

How close is Tony Watson to losing the closer job before opening day? If so, while Rivero is filthy - is highly likely to go to Hudson? Thinking yes based on trend to try and hold down arb numbers for guys like Rivero if possible.

Paul Swydan

9:58

Honestly guys, it's too early for the closer questions. Next week, next week.

Jeff Zimmerman

9:59

I think they will need three guys. No Pirates starter is going 8 every time out.

Trey

10:00

Should the Orioles blow it up after this year or make one more run at competing in 2018 (after which they lose Machado, Britton, Jones, and Hardy to FA)

Paul Swydan

10:00

I don't think the O's can blow it up as long as Machado is on the team.

Jeff Zimmerman

10:00

I think they have seasons left to try.

Paul Swydan

10:01

We don't have seasons left for this chat though. So we're going to need to stop right here. Thanks for hanging out, as always. See you next week!

Jeff Zimmerman

10:01

Bye

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