JotCast | Justin Mason Baseball Chat

Justin Mason Baseball Chat

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Chuck

12:41

I know Westburg has been ‘absent from school’ a good amount over the past two years, more so in 2024, but the addition of Alonso and a potential rebirth for Gunnar, gives me cautious optimism that the O’s lineup could be improved. Hence is Westy a good dart throw keeper with his 2B/3B dual eligibility over the likes of similarly situated other unnamed options. No there are no Otanis or Witts in the aforementioned.

Justin Mason

12:42

It's all about health for Westburg. I think he's shown enough talent that if he stays healthy he can be a really valuable player, but he hasnt stayed on the field in the Majors.

Joe

12:42

I know they say that about Caisse's hit tool (how poor it is) but his K% in the minors isn't outrageous. Others have succeeded with similar K numbers, no?

Justin Mason

12:45

I think I will be watching him closely in spring. If he is making more contact and not swinging outside the zone a ton, I could become interested. The z-contact numbers in AAA arent terrible and maybe the small sample at the Majors is just that. We did see a 14% swinging strike rate in AAA in 2024 so that is more in line of where I think he likely lands. Obviously too early to completely write him off, but not someone I am targeting unless I see some improvement.

Larry

12:45

In a 10 team AL Only $260 cap, do you keep Ragans at 26 and Rafaela at 16? Skubal, Crochet, Brown and Woo will be kept so Ragan's like the highest K upside left on the board.

Justin Mason

12:46

I do

Broken Bat

12:46

With the robo ump, recent rule changes all indications to me is that MLB wants more runs scored. I also think the pitch clock while reducing length of game time, will slowly creep up closer to average time of. 2:45. More runners and I believe more homeruns (looking at you KC). Your take?

Justin Mason

12:47

MLB always wants more runs, but I havent seen the data to suggest it would increase a ton with the robo umps. If there is data, please let me know.

Insert Witty Name Here

12:47

What’s your ranking of non-catcher catcher eligible players?

Justin Mason

12:47

Ben Rice, Ivan Herrera, Samuel Basallo

need more questions!

Chuck

12:50

I’ll ask on behalf of all of your followers, readers and fans. Give us a dart throw minor leaguer, who isn’t a headliner, who can be *that guy* this year.

Justin Mason

12:53

Is McGonigle a headliner? If so, Quinn Matthews.

Wood

12:53

Joey Cantillo had the 4th highest CSW% in the league last year in games he started behind Skubal, Ragans and Sale. Any sleeper appeal here?

Justin Mason

12:53

There's a lot of upside here, but it will come down to command and control. We saw some improvement there, so I am intrigued at the price

Oaktown Blues

12:54

Any hope for Lawrence Butler to recapture the magic of his 2024 second half?

Justin Mason

12:55

The hit tool regressed last year and that was responsible for the overall regression. It got worse as the season went on so I am not really bullish there

Pete

12:56

Do you think Andy Pages takes a step forward this offseason and does Tucker limit his playing time?

Tdub

12:56

Andy Pages last year: 27 HR, 86 RBI and 14 SB.

What's your over/under this year: 25 HR, 80 RBI and 10 SB.

Justin Mason

12:56

answer both of these together. I think take the over. Not worried about his playing time in LA

Oaktown Blues

12:56

What are your expectations for Nick Kurtz this year? Regression? More of the same? Reaching another level and putting up MVP numbers?

Justin Mason

12:57

I think there is a huge amount of upside, but the ADP doesnt reflect the floor in his average. There is risk he hits like 230 and while I am not projecting that, I cant take him as high as he is going given that.

Mitch

12:57

River Ryan or Christian Scott in a super deep dynasty

Justin Mason

12:57

Scott

Goober

12:57

Is Kerry Carpenter worth holding on to at $15? 400 dollar cap. Thanks

Justin Mason

12:57

Close, but yes

Mitch

12:57

Thoughts on Jacob Melton this season

Justin Mason

12:58

Really like the arm. The stuff is really good and he's shown good command in the minors. I love him as a sleeper this year

Mitch

12:58

Christian Moore a sneaky sleeper?

Justin Mason

12:58

Nah

12:58

12 team AL only, $260 cap, what's the max you would bid on Imai?

Justin Mason

12:58

Yadi

12:59

I've got William Contreras at $17. The catcher market is so deep, but I feel like this is value you have to keep. Would you hold or be looking to trade him away?

Justin Mason

12:59

hold

Chris

12:59

Last Keeper in AL-Only: do you want Pablo Lopez, Aranda, or Barger?

Justin Mason

12:59

Lopez

but I could talk myself into barger if my pitching is already stacked

Arms Trade

12:59