You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Front Office Chat: 12/29/23
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Anthony Franco
3:33
Feels like more of a situational leverage guy than someone you'd plug into the ninth as a designated closer
3:34
The command is iffy enough that he should be second or third in a contending bullpen
Dan
3:34
Would duran + start the conversation with the Astros about framber?
Anthony Franco
3:35
I think that'd get their attention, yeah
3:36
Not sure Boston would offer it but it'd be a really interesting framework if Houston seriously considered moving Valdez
The Votto Lotto
3:36
Realistically, who's going to even consider signing Joey Votto?
Anthony Franco
3:37
Judging from his tweet yesterday, it doesn't seem like there's much interest so far
3:38
Brewers or Cubs make sense if he's fine staying in the NL Central. San Diego could use a first base/DH type. The Jays should (and presumably are) aiming higher at DH, but I imagine they'd offer him a bench spot if things got to that point
Kevin
3:38
What is your opinion about PCA for the Cubs? Do you think he is ready to anchor CF for a full season?
Anthony Franco
3:40
Enough strikeouts that I'd rather start him in Triple-A to see how the offense develops
I'd take PCA over Tauchman in 2024 but neither would stop me from looking into potential upgrades
Duran?
3:40
Which Duran? Twins, Red Sox, or Texas
Anthony Franco
3:41
Sorry, Dan had a few questions in the queue before the Duran one about the Red Sox, so I didn't notice that the one I picked wasn't clear. That was about Jarren Duran
General MLB wuesrion
3:41
I was wondering what your thoughts were on teams that make the playoffs year after year like Houston. Would you think it boils down to a young team and a lot of pitching?
Anthony Franco
3:42
Obviously you need some pitching but having that level of cost-controlled young talent on the roster regardless of position is going to position a team really well
3:43
Baltimore could do something like this despite being built around the position player group
3:44
It's more a goal than a strategy, though. Supplement an elite homegrown core with smart free agent and trad acquisitions is the model that every team tries to follow. There are about 3-5 that execute it to the level they're intending
Bob T
3:44
Happy New Year Anthony. What kind of return could the Angels get for Drury, Rengifo and Taylor Ward in separate deals?
Anthony Franco
3:45
I'd go Ward, Drury and Rengifo in order of trade value. Would've had Rengifo above Drury before the biceps surgery
3:46
They each have slightly positive trade value, could return mid-level prospect talent. Wouldn't get a Top 100 type for any of them though
Curious A's Fan
3:46
Who has had the most confounding off-season thus far? The Royals, who you just wrote about. The A's, who are on track to spend less than they did in 2022. Or some other team?
Anthony Franco
3:47
That's an interesting question. I don't think it's the Royals. I disagree with the approach they're taking, but I don't hate any of their individual moves and I generally understand why they've done what they have
3:48
The A's stuff sucks but it's not confusing. Ownership made pretty clear they've quit on the team until they're in Vegas
3:49
The Braves have done some head-scratching stuff, but none of it is super high-stakes. I'll reserve judgment on the Angels for now
3:51
My answer so far might be the Cardinals. Thought they'd take an upside swing for a controllable starter in trade as opposed to adding everyone through free agency. Could still change that, of course, but jumping early for Lynn and Gibby was strange
JL
3:51
Is Louis Castillo really a trader option or are the M’s beat reporters running out of things to write about?
Anthony Franco
3:52
Can't see why he would be
They still have short-term payroll room. He's really good and they just extended him
Farhan?
3:52
I've seen a lot of speculation that Hoskins could be a good fit for the Giants. Should they go that route, what would they do with Lamonte Wade Jr?
Anthony Franco
3:53
I'm not a big fan of the Hoskins/Giants fit for that reason
Wade was solid last year and they have enough guys to rotate through DH between Flores and the corner outfield group
Cubs
3:53
As the only team to NOT have signed or traded for an MLB player this winter, what’s the best and most reasonable path to a successful off-season for the Cubs?
Anthony Franco
3:55
Signing one of Imanaga, Chapman or (if his price falls to 200M or below) Bellinger
Cards Fan
3:56
Heard a report here in STL that the Cardinals have received calls about Tommy Edman.  Who would be the most likeliest suitors?  It seems to me maybe MIA, SFG, TBR, or even LAD if it's for SS.  Not sure that's good for STL, unless he and maybe another player or two brought back a frontline starting pitcher.
Anthony Franco
3:57
Yeah all those teams make sense. I'd throw Detroit in there, Boston could work as a short-term option to handle second base
3:58
To your point, I agree that the Cards probably won't find it worthwhile. They seem to love Edman and they were willing to address the rotation through free agency
Donny Baseball
3:58
Since the Yankees missed out on Yamamoto, do you see them looking to sign Montgomery or Snell and Hader?  Thanks
Anthony Franco
4:00
Reports have shot them down as a Snell suitor. Too similar to Rodón perhaps? Seems like they're open to Monty but it'd be an interesting one since he's taken some shots at the organization after they traded him
Frank
4:00
A Red Sox fan.   Jaren Durban’s been mentioned as a trade candidate.   However though he has upside from a very good 2023 offensive season some potential limitations to return value are that he has just one full season of strong offensive production, average defensive capacity, and not being enough of a power hitter should a team wish to make him a corner outfielder.   Thanks for the forum.  Oh, I thought I heard that Major League Spring Training size limited to 60.
Anthony Franco
4:03
Yeah it's an interesting profile. Can't expect him to hit almost .300 again unless he cuts the strikeout rate dramatically, but he took a real step forward with the approach last year. Great athlete with some power but mediocre defensive instincts that make him a fringy fit in center field
Connecting…