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July27 2020 Chat
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Brent Hershey
12:03
Well, folks ... here we are. Disjointing news this morning on the COVID front. Let's all acknowledge up front that we're asking/answering these questions in a pandemic, and there are LOTS of more important issues out there than MLB. But ... we're here to talk about whatever -- lineups/weekend performances, how today's cancellations might shake out, anything else you'd like. Just wanted to put that disclaimer out there ... I know I for one sure enjoyed the weekend games, and I hope they will continue ...but frankly, not quite sure how this all will resolve. Anyway, thanks for joining/reading, and let's hop to it ...
Rob
12:08
The Phillies didn't get off to a good start this weekend losing a series to the Marlins. It looks like we will see Howard make his debut in the rotation this week. When do you think we see Bohm? If the Phillies do call up Bohm soon, do you expect Bohm to be the DH primarily or will he play 3B regularly?
Brent Hershey
12:08
Yeah, rough start for Phils for sure -- other than Zack Wheeler being exactly what they paid for. I've been of the mind that Howard is more likely to be recalled first — and think that is still a possibility for this weekend (he's on-turn for Friday). Today's NYY/PHI cancellation might be a factor, but at one point last night, was not out of the question that it might be Howard/Nate Pearson game on Friday night.
As for Bohm, I think he's likely to surface a bit later. They don't have a 'natural' opening for him right now, as they do for Howard (other than DH). But .. if we keep going here, and the offense is struggling after two weeks, then maybe they bring him in to shake things up. And I think Bohm be a mix of DH and 3B, playing 5 times a week, maybe?
Guest
12:10
Kyle Leiws...I'm not buying in.  Way too many holes in the swing.  What say you?
Brent Hershey
12:10
What, you didn't like the pic at the top of this page? In a normal season, Lewis is someone I'd be skeptical of ... for the exact reasons you state. Even with the HR barrage last Sept, his ct% was 59%. That won't get it done long-term. However, in a short season, he's the type I'm more willing to take a shot on (and have in several leagues), hoping for the hot streak as a contributor. And he certainly has delivered through the first 3 games. All a crazy part of fantasy baseball, circa 2020 ...
WayOffBase
12:14
Just a comment, I had a terrific auction last week, and I'm leading my redraft league drafted in early March. Now, 14 Marlin players test positive for the COVID. My hope for all fans is this does not end the season, though it probably has dashed the hopes of Fish fans.
Brent Hershey
12:14
Worst case scenario, really, for all baseball fans, and all the implications are front and center (the several teams it affects, travel sched, potentially exposed hotel workers, not to mention how it affects the players MIA has to put on the field now for a couple weeks IF they continue on, etc). I wish I had more confidence in MLB leadership; sounds like there's a meeting of minds here shortly. But yes, this is not trending well, and cynical me wants to say "I hope everyone enjoyed those 4 days when we could consume/enjoy/talk about baseball." We'll just have to see.
Leody
12:19
The Rangers put me on their opening day roster, but how will I find the playing time?
Brent Hershey
12:19
It's a quandary for all close-to-MLB prospects -- trying to get the development time they deserve while only have one set of games playing (MLB, no official minors sched). My guess is that Leody gets 1 start a week or so, and then is frequent late-game defensive replacement in CF. Not optimal. Could also be one of the first "cuts" if we make it to the 28-player phase.
Rich
12:22
Hi Brent.  Was hoping for a bounceback from Matt Carpenter this year. He looked good in "summer camp," and he was a Statcast monster before last year's injury-riddled debacle, but he's not making good contact (60% CT%, 69 HctX) thus far.  Time to cut bait in a 12-team mixed league?  Same question for Ryan Braun, who has played only one regular season game, and no summer camp games, due to nagging injuries.  Move on?
Brent Hershey
12:22
Well, first thing is I would caution making any decisions based on things like ct% and HctX after three games. Would probably be more likely to hang onto Carpenter more than Braun for now; since Carp showed SOMETHING in camp, and Braun has the nagging injuries going on. But still close ... my hunch, though, is that in a 12-teamer, you might be able to find better options that Braun. Categories will be close (if we get to the end), so getting ABs will matter all the way along.
Ricky
12:25
Hi Brent. My pitching staff in a saves-plus-holds league has been ravaged by injuries so far. It's a 10-team roto league. Two of the top SPs available are Nathan Eovaldi and Vince Velasquez. Which one would be more appealing to you and why?
Brent Hershey
12:25
Yeah, boy do I wish (?) we'd be talking about all the early-season injuries and opps that provides others. But here, I'd go Eovaldi, with the caveat that I watched VV's start yesterday, and located in Philly, I have seen him a lot over the years. For all the vaunted 'new pitch' chatter, I didn't see a whole lot of difference in VV's approach yesterday. Still too many pitches over the fat part of the plate. I'm not gung-ho on Eovaldi, and there's a long list of injuries that come with him, but I'd prefer him to VV right now.
Rich
12:29
What do you expect from Spencer Howard, assuming he debuts later this week?  BHQ projections are meh.  Worth speculating, or wait til next year?  Other FA options include Wainwright, Bassitt, Petit (and lots of other good non-closer RP's).
Brent Hershey
12:29
I like Howard a bit more than our projections. Riding FB with life that he can hold deep into starts; it's a swing and miss pitch. And while still needs to work on command of everything in general, his secondaries -- change and slider, esp (also has a slower CB) -- are also potentially plus pitches. Think it's someone with an arsenal like that who could benefit from a veteran catcher like Realmuto and  be able to at least 'hang' for a trip or so around the league. Yes, he's likely to get better in subsequent years, but I think he's a worthy speculation over the guys you mentioned. Hope he gets that chance this week.
Bob
12:31
Thoughts on Kyle Lewis, today's cover photo, this year? Picked him up before yesterday's game and I know he's been pounding the ball.
Brent Hershey
12:31
Addressed it upthread some ... this goes personally against how I normally do things, but Lewis is a guy I'm rostering this year, hoping for a hot streak. So far, so good ... my own challenge will be when to sit him if he goes cold. But let's get there first; super start to enjoy from Lewis.
Guest
12:36
Brent, is Bass the guy to close in TOR for now? And who gets Verlander's starts in HOU? Does Whitley get the call?
Brent Hershey
12:36
Yes, it seems Bass would be the choice for now. The name I'm watching: Jordan Romano. Rookie, so he'll have to earn his way into a trusted role, but opened my eyes a couple years ago in the minors, and has some qualities -- including mid-90s heat and a slider he can both throw for strikes and bury -- that would seem to be a great fit for a late-inning role. Stashed him in a couple places this weekend (tho stashes take on a whole new meaning this year).
In HOU, I've not got a good handle on just how they view Whitley. Seems like that would be a natural spot for him, but first things I read sounded more like guys already on the roster would get the first shot (Parades, Javier). But ... that rotation is looking shakier by the day, which only helps Whitley's chances I'd think. And I'm still high on Whitley, FWIW.
Aquino
12:39
How often do you think I'll play?
Brent Hershey
12:39
Think it depends on the COVID fallout in Cincy, which I'm a bit surprised there hasn't been more made of today. And again with NL teams, ANY starting players going down opens up another spot given the DH. So I think that's all still TBD.
cigar
12:44
Thoughts on Leury Garcia? Will he be better than Berti?
Brent Hershey
12:44
That's a pretty good comp given their style of play, actually. Trying to project at bats and opportunity would play a big part here for me. Garcia's PT likely takes a hit once Madrigal arrives ... but will that be soon? Ask me in a week -- if the Sox feel Madrigal is a big upgrade, he'll likely be on the squad by this time next week. And Berti ... sorry to put in this way, but as long as he stays COVID-free, have to think he'll play, given his versatility and experience. If the Marlins keep going, we know at least in the short-term the roster will be populated with a handful of satellite guys, who may or may not be fully 'ready' for MLB. Berti, at least, has that history, so gotta think he'll get the nod. Interesting thoughts.
Katman
12:45
A technical question about positive COVID-19 tests:
12:50
Someobody like Juan Soto tests positive late last week. He now has to have two negative tests to be reactivated. Is there a minimum amount of time this can take, like 12 days or two weeks? I have heard he has already had one positive test. Is this epidemiologically possible? Is he now on track for a quick comeback?
Brent Hershey
12:50
I'll give this my best shot (IOW, as I understand it, and correct me if I'm misunderstanding your question) ... He needs two negatives in at least 24 hours apart. I BELIEVE that means two consecutive negatives ... in other words, the 'slate' gets re-set after any positive test. My hunch would be he's getting tested once a day at least, and once 2 of those in a row come back negative, he's then good to go. But ... it's my understanding that the tests aren't 100% accurate, either (both ways; and that's another story/thread). But MLB has to have some protocol to get players back safely to teh field, and this is what they've chosen. So I can't say that he is or isn't on the track for a quick comeback.
Nate Pearson
12:52
I sure hope I'll be able to make my debut in Philly this weekend!
Brent Hershey
12:52
Yes, this could happen ... though your last exhibition outing is a good reminder for us all that a) MLB hitters are good; and b) we need to try and temper expectations for all of these rookies—especially pitchers—that we're excited to see debut (Sixto, Whitley, Howard, Pearson, etc etc).
Brent Hershey
12:52
Few mins left, and the queue is clear ... any final questions?
1:00
Alright, crew, was a ton of fun as always; thanks for the questions. I HOPE we'll be back next, stay tuned to the site and Tw (follow me @BrentHQ) for details. Stay safe out there!
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