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Front Office Chat: 9/9/22
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FantasyFanatic
2:22
Jays Rays Yankees Mariners. Who has the best shot at dethroning the Astros in the AL?
Anthony Franco
2:22
Yankees are probably going to get the first-round bye, so they're the second most likely team to come out of the AL
But as far as the question "which team would I least want to face if I were the Astros," I'd probably go Tampa Bay
Kevin
2:22
If the season ended now who would be your picks to be in the World Series and who would win?
Anthony Franco
2:23
Took Astros over Dodgers preseason (bold on my part, I know). No reason to move off it
Hits Like Rays
2:23
If MLB leaders were really concerned about player safety, they would remove the bullpens form the field so that outfielders don't hurt themselves chasing foul balls.  They could also realize that foul tips, wild pitches, etc hurt a lot of catchers when there aren't any runners on base, and that there is no need for an active catcher behind the plate until runners reach base.
Anthony Franco
2:24
Eliminating the catcher until there are runners on base is pretty bold haha. I guess you could do this with a robot ump but it'd look weird as hell and you'd have to have someone collecting the ball from the backstop after every pitch
2:26
I agree with you on eliminating the on-field bullpens though. It's wild to me that still exists in some parks. I'm sure it's a space constraint thing that's not as easy as it seems to fix, but I'm surprised there hasn't been more pushback from players on it
Guest
2:26
I’ve read very little about José Abreu‘s impending free agency. Is it simply just a foregone conclusion that he’s going to resign with the White Sox? What do you think he’ll get?
Anthony Franco
2:26
Yeah he's pretty interesting. Think I'll take a look at his FA case in depth over the next couple weeks, probably in one of the subscriber emails
2:27
He's going to be 36 next year. It's hard to see a three-year deal for a first baseman at that age. Freddie Freeman only got paid through 37, and the big holdup with the Braves was that they apparently didn't want to go past 36
2:28
So I'd probably have Abreu at two years, but he should beat Rizzo money since he's just a better player. We kind of kicked around 2/40-45 for Brandon Belt last year before deciding he'd just take the qualifying offer. Maybe that's the range for Abreu too?
Abreu already received a QO, so that's not on the table for him
2:29
As for the team, it's hard for me to see the White Sox letting him go
Kevin
2:29
which Cardinals outfielder will be with the cards the longest during their career? Carlson? O’Neil? Nootbar?
Anthony Franco
2:29
I'll take Carlson. Most defensive value, they loved him enough they were reportedly reluctant to put him in the Soto talks
Hits Like Rays
2:30
What do you think the Rays will do over the winter with this massive amount of pitching they have built up?  I expect they trade someone to get a big hitter...
Anthony Franco
2:31
Sure that's viable. Kluber's going to walk but a top-end of McClanahan, Glasnow and maybe Baz is elite, with Rasmussen and Springs working as the productive five-and-dive guys at the back end
2:32
Maybe they move one of Rasmussen or Springs in a deal for a controllable hitter? They'll probably sign a veteran in the Kluber mold, and Taj Bradley figures to get a look at some point next season
Twinny Twin Twin
2:33
Bailey Ober is due back soon.   How high do you think his ceiling is?   I’m thinking he could be a #2 starter.
Anthony Franco
2:33
I like him but not quite that bullish. More like a solid 3/4 to me
He's going to be a reliever for the stretch run this year though. Doesn't have enough time on the schedule to build his arm all the way back up after missing three months
Guest
2:33
What does the AZ OF look like next year? A lot of young talent with the four. Who gets traded for pitching?
Anthony Franco
2:35
McCarthy feels like the odd man out by default. Can't imagine they trade Carroll or Varsho. Maybe they swap Thomas for a pitcher they really like, but that deal is pretty tough to line up on
Doesn't mean they have to move McCarthy either. Could keep him around to rotate through the outfield and DH as well. But if they deal one, he's the likeliest
grover
2:35
Does Ramon Laureano stay with the A's through another winter or will there be enough interested parties that he'll have a new home in 2023?
Anthony Franco
2:37
I think he opens the season on the A's and they reevaluate nearer to the deadline. He didn't play particularly well this year. With three years of arb control left, a trade this winter feels like a real sell-low
And it's not like Laureano's going to be even moderately expensive as Chapman, Olson, Bassitt, Manaea were. He's probably looking at $3-4MM
Cletis Boyer
2:37
Whatever happened to Texas' Andy Ibanez? He had good minor-league credentials. He played will in his 2021 rookie year. And Texas has buried him this year. Is there a 'there' there?
Anthony Franco
2:39
Atypical profile for sure. He makes a ton of contact, but he's already 29, doesn't have power and can't play shortstop. The latter thing makes him tough to carry as a utility guy, but he's not a good enough offensive player I'd want him as an everyday second or third baseman
I don't think he's a long-term piece in Texas. Could see him following the José Fernández path though
The former Angel, not the late Marlins starter
2:40
Fernández signed late in his career, hit well in the minors but had a broadly similar player as Ibánez. Eventually went to Korea and has been one of the KBO's better hitters for four years running
Tammy
2:41
I know there is so much uncertainty with the Angels next year what with needing a new manager and sale of the team. Although they have a horrible record, it does not feel they are too far off fro being competitive. The pitching staff which thought to be their biggest weakness, ended up being a strength and the core group are young enough to be around for a bit. To me, it feels they need one good starter, outfield and bullpen help. My question is three fold.
First, what do you think they need to be competitive next year? Second, do you think they will stand pat with the infield of Walsh, Fletcher, Rengifo and Rendo as the starters. Lastly, do you feel it is a pipe dream that Ohtani will stay assuming the team gets sold and makes a run or is he done?
Any news on who is interested in buying Angels?
what are the realistic chances the angels could sold in time for the new owner to affect next years roster ie signings?  What is the process or hoops that must be jumped through during the sale of a team
Anthony Franco
2:41
A few Angels questions to address separately here
2:42
First: there's been nothing substantive on potential buyers yet. I'd be surprised if the sale goes through in time to shape their roster construction this offseason. Entirely speculative, but it feels like February or March is more viable given how long the Nationals sale has been taking
2:43
I think it'll be Moreno and Minasian again this winter, and I imagine Arte will be similarly reluctant to trade Ohtani as he was this summer
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