JotCast | Kevin Goldstein FanGraphs Chat

Kevin Goldstein FanGraphs Chat - 10/25/2021

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Kevin Goldstein

12:59

One month, but that's not going to happen. Contractual obligations and all....

Matthew

12:59

What’s the talk around the MLB office when you see a silly trade deal go through? “How did that deal go through?!” “We could have easily done that!” “Wow they got fleeced!”

Kevin Goldstein

1:00

Add, "I wish we called them about that player" to your list.

Ben Schneider

1:01

With no clear direction, what will it take for the Rockies to compete again?

Kevin Goldstein

1:01

Well, how about a clear direction first?

How Bobby Grich Stole Christmas

1:04

Best feedback from an agent after the player signed elsewhere?

Kevin Goldstein

1:05

This is probably not an informative answer, but there was a player once, where I was talking to the agent and said we were preparing an offer. Then the player signed elsewhere. It was fine, because the player signed for way more than we were ever going to get to, but I will still confused as to why I didn't at least get a heads up on it. I called the agent and we had a very good talk about why that didn't happen and what could have been done different on a communication level and it was a really good conversation.

TJ177

1:06

What is your belief on the Garcia velo increase the other night?

Kevin Goldstein

1:06

I think any kind of cheating talk like I saw on Twitter is real dumb. he was 94-95 during most of 2019 and touched 99.

Frank Thomas the Tank Engine

1:07

Do teams ever bid up trades or free agents in an effort to make a rival pay more?

Kevin Goldstein

1:08

A little, obviously the huge risk or bidding up and then getting the player...

David

1:08

Are agents generally pleasant to deal with or are teams just willing to put up with them to get the players they want?

Kevin Goldstein

1:09

For the most part, I really liked dealing with agents, and for the most part, I really liked the agents themselves.

Guest

1:09

Do you think we're headed to an international draft in this CBA?

Kevin Goldstein

1:09

Either that or in short order. It's definitely a when and not an if.

1:09

Were there any front offices you didn't enjoy matching up with in deals? Whether that be for fear of "losing" trades or for notoriously difficult to work with

Kevin Goldstein

1:09

Absolutely. Tampa was exceptionally difficult for Houston to match up with.

Guest

1:10

Are we finally going to see the DH in the NL in 2022?

Kevin Goldstein

1:10

Probably. Another when and not if.

Kretin

1:10

How much of contract language is boiler plate?

Kevin Goldstein

1:11

Almost all of it. There's a UPC (Uniform Player Contract) with little room for adjustments and covenants. Many things are set in stone.

Guest

1:13

Why isn't Houston more of a contender for Correa in FA? Its the 4th biggest market in the country with a good (read: not old and small) ballpark

Kevin Goldstein

1:13

I just don't think they're willing to extend themselves to top bidder status on him.

Ok, we are entering the final stretch.....

How Bobby Grich Stole Christmas

1:13

What was the weirdest condition a player insisted on in a new contract?

Kevin Goldstein

1:14

I can't think of anything super wacky and unique....

Bob

1:15

Do the Dodgers let Seager walk and install Lux in the MI, or do they break out the checkbook?

Kevin Goldstein

1:15

I mean . . . 'let him walk' is a weird phrase here. He's a free agent, and he's going to talk to other teams. Walking or not is partially up to him as well.

Tom

1:15

What can a team/front office do about a player that shows up in bad shape... like Sandoval for example. Is there anything that can be done or in the contract to protect against this?

Kevin Goldstein

1:15

You could do a conditioning clause or weight clause, but if you acted on it, you'd just be asking for a greivance.

1:16

How often did you attend road games as a front office, if any?

Kevin Goldstein

1:16

Me personally? Very rarely. Sometimes at the trade deadline to be with the GM. Other than that, just during the post-season.

Jacob

1:17

How do members of the front office prepare for the World Series?

Kevin Goldstein

1:18

A lot more people are involved in advance stuff. There are discussions to be had about rotation/bullpen roles, etc, and there's personal stuff to take care of if you are traveling with the team and/or your partner is traveling with you as well. It's a very bust and very exciting time.

Skip

1:18

How important is "makeup" when looking at a prospect? That is, would you consider promoting a less skilled player who works hard as opposed to a talented player who maybe isn't giving it 100%?

Kevin Goldstein

1:18

Promote within the minors? Yes. With in the majors? No.

Sir Nerdlington

1:19

How many guys on the 26 man roster are baseball rats that just love being at the field? (caveat that I recognize that they're all pros and put in a lot of work.)

Kevin Goldstein

1:19

20+

TJ177

1:21

Is it less fun when none of the WS games happen in a cold North east or midwest climate?

Kevin Goldstein

1:21

I don't think so.

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