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Kevin Goldstein FanGraphs Chat - 1/10/2022
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Froglegs Jackson
12:37
Over/Under: 154.5 game season this upcoming year?
Kevin Goldstein
12:37
Yeah, that's pretty much the perfect o/u number.
Guest
12:38
do you think yordan alvarez's lack of a platoon disadvantage is sustainable?
Kevin Goldstein
12:38
I do.
matt
12:38
Do fans overrate the importance of organization rankings? It seems not uncommon for prospects to bust or guys unexpectedly develop
Kevin Goldstein
12:39
They do. They're fun doing them, but yeah, they do. Nobody gets an award for having the best system or "winning the off-season."
Johnny
12:39
For players who go by their middle names or a nicknames, are transactions technically done with their full name? Like when the Astros submitted the trade to the league office, was it submitted for Donald Greinke?
Kevin Goldstein
12:40
It's all done in an internal MLB system called eBIS. You don't enter the name as much as you just click on it.
Jason
12:40
Have players you've been scouting ever come and asked you for your observations/thoughts regarding mechanics, tipping pitches, or anything really?
Kevin Goldstein
12:41
Not about that in particular, but I've definitely talked to players after games. Good to look them in the eye and see how they conduct themselves.
Joe
12:41
What is an 80 grade JRPG?
Kevin Goldstein
12:41
Xenogears.
Sad in Oakland
12:41
has the ship sailed on AJPuk, starter or dominant backend reliever?
Kevin Goldstein
12:42
Don't know if it's sailed, but it's definitely charting a course...
KB
12:43
Some people don't have anything better to do than to troll. They're jealous that your life is more interesting than theirs. Don't worry about it. The vast majority of us enjoy your insight and don't give a rip about the other stuff.
Kevin Goldstein
12:44
It's fine. And feel free to give a rip about the other stuff! I do. Based on the patterns here, these people also seem to be upset that I answered a question last week supporting a non-binary person.
NotAA
12:44
I know you aren’t a football fan but will you be watching the national championship tonight?
Kevin Goldstein
12:44
I haven't watched a second of college football in years. I can't name a player on either team. I do know who is playing, and I think Athens, GA is cool as hell, so go Georgia? (No, I won't watch a second of it).
Guest
12:45
Does Miggy have any intangible clubhouse value?
Kevin Goldstein
12:45
Oh yeah.
matt
12:45
Front offices seem to be getting more homogenized--Ivy League, quant types. Assuming this is true, is this the most efficient way to win? Or is there some sort of inefficiency in this approach or other inefficiency out there waiting to be exploited?
Kevin Goldstein
12:46
Absolutely an inefficiency in this approach, and one to be exploited. I think the best decisions are made with input from a variety of lenses. I want to hear from scouts, analysts, coaches and developmental people and folks with all kind of backgrounds. Homogeny is bad for decision making.
Sean
12:46
Kevin - Just wanted to let you know that I am starting chemo today and have an 8 hour session.  Your 1-2 hour chat is going to really help pass the time and create a fun distraction.  Thanks for all you do and Go M's!
Kevin Goldstein
12:47
Forget the Ms, GO SEAN.
Pat
12:47
Well, does eBIS say Donald Greinke or Zack Greinke? How do players get their preferred name into eBIS if it's the latter? Is there some sort of form they fill out in spring training or something listing what name they want to use?
Kevin Goldstein
12:47
Pretty such it says Zack. It goes by the players name as listed on the roster (as defined by the player) and obviously there's a field in the DB for given full name.
This is weirdly specific!
Appa Yip Yip
12:48
How often do free agents ask about the minor league system when signing with a team? I'd imagine one year players don't care, but do the guys signing 4, 5, 6 year deals get into the weeds about that stuff?
Kevin Goldstein
12:48
A little bit. Sometimes Triple-A team location can be a VERY important factor for veteran minor league FAs.
matt
12:50
How much do free agents consider state taxes (or lack thereof) in free agency decisions? How much do they care about maximizing their income compared to maximizing the number of dollars in the headline announcing their signing?
Kevin Goldstein
12:50
The definitely care, as California teams (double-digit state tax) and Texas teams (no state tax) can make pretty different offers that mean the same take home pay.
Bibliophile
12:50
What books do you have on deck to read for 2022?
Kevin Goldstein
12:51
I got the Tom Sharpling book for Xmas, looking forward to that.
matt
12:51
Assuming the lockout lasts into spring training (or later), will the media pay any more attention to college baseball?
Kevin Goldstein
12:51
I doubt it.
KB
12:51
How many true 80 outfield arms have you seen? Jeff Francoeur and who else?
Kevin Goldstein
12:52
I bet I could get into double-digits. Jose Guillen, Ichiro, Alex Ochoa, etc.
Mickey
12:52
If there's no relationship between high vaccination rates (eg. NBA and NHL), and a reduction in infections, why would the MLB try to push a mandate on players?
Kevin Goldstein
12:53
If it's this bad in those two sports, wouldn't it be worse with a lower vac rate?
Oliver
12:54
Hi Kevin. I'm so grateful to hear your podcasts and read your chats after so many years without. This must be an especially tough year to get a read on players at the lower levels, perhaps none moreso than unheralded IFAs like Manuel Sequera who didn't get pro reps for over a year after signing. Despite his defensive limitations, suspect hit tool and being physically maxed out, you still seem optimistic that he could emerge as a productive player. What did you learn about him after a limited sample that should help sustain last year's production against more advanced competition? Does he have traits that boost his chances of reaching his ceiling?
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