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Kevin Goldstein FanGraphs Chat - 4/20/2021
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DJ
1:11
What's a team you've found yourself watching more than you anticipated going into the year?
Kevin Goldstein
1:11
Mariners.
SlightlyOff
1:11
The Giants have had a really interesting start to the year, 10-6 behind great starting pitching and an anemic offense. Is there anything significantly different about their season outlook that you see from this, or just another odd product of SSS?
Kevin Goldstein
1:12
I think they have some real pitching and could be pretty decent.
Jason N
1:12
How does a team determine who gets championship rings?  I saw Vin Scully received one from the Dodgers... he didn’t work for the team during the championship season.
Kevin Goldstein
1:13
In general, if you worked for the team, you get a ring. Little known fact, there are actually different grades of rings and while even the lowest grade is still an awfully nice thing, the ring a groundkeeper might get isn't of the same quality a player or exec might get. That said, if anyone deserves a Dodgers ring despite not being with the team last year, it's Vin Scully, no?
Birds Fan
1:13
Did you get to see Oscar Taveras before he passed? Impressions?
Kevin Goldstein
1:14
I did. Thought he'd be a star-level player, like .280-.300 with 20-25 HR.
B
1:14
In your opinion, what is wrong with the balls?
Kevin Goldstein
1:14
They're trying to provide balls that are pre-tacked so players won't tack up, and pitchers don't like them.
Goldylox
1:15
do teams generated advance scouting reports with the same grade scales as prospects? Consumers live and project through those prospect numbers and have always been curious what say, a DeGrom profile *now* would be graded at...
Kevin Goldstein
1:15
No. Advance reports are NOTHING like player evaluations. Advance reports are how to hit this pitcher, or how to get this hitter out.
John
1:15
What do you do with a pitcher who is excelling in a long relief role - leave him where he’s excelling or move him to the rotation? Antone is a current example.
Kevin Goldstein
1:16
Depends on the pitcher, every individual is different. In Antone's case, I think he should start.
GOYANKS
1:16
Ever watch much pro wrestling?
Kevin Goldstein
1:16
Not since a kid.
I used to be Mel Clark
1:16
What are your thoughts no Oscar Colas?
Kevin Goldstein
1:16
Think he's a bit of a power goof. 80 raw, 40 or lower bat.
Chamaco
1:18
Do you feel that your time working for a team has given you a greater appreciation for the things that supposedly exist but can’t be captured with publicly available stats, like chemistry and make-up?
Kevin Goldstein
1:18
ABSOLUTELY. No question about it.
45 blows billygoats
1:18
The Casty suspension is a joke. They shoud have just let the cards dot him next AB and be done with it...right?
Kevin Goldstein
1:18
I watched that whole thing live, and yes, I thought him being singled out was harsh.
Josh R
1:18
Please tell me that that Q-anon podcast is debunking Q-anon theory and not touting them.
Kevin Goldstein
1:20
Absolutely. Highly recommend Q Anon Anonymous. Great podcast that has been covering the weirdness and disturbing aspects of that movement with smarts and humor well before it was a well-known thing.
Chamaco
1:20
To follow up, any plans to write a longer piece on chemistry, make-up, etc.? Thanks so much for sharing your insights!
Kevin Goldstein
1:20
I've thought about it, but struggled with how to without coming off as some kind of "back in my day" kinda person.
Jonny
1:22
Is Stroman pitching his way to a big contract this off season?  Does his lack of Ks limit his upside as a top of the rotation starter?
Kevin Goldstein
1:23
I mean, top of the rotation starters are super rare. Saying a player is NOT a top rotation starter is not any kind of insult. I don't think Stroman is a top rotation guy, and I also believe he'll get a big deal in the off-season . . . if we even have an offseason. Remember the CBA. If that expires without a deal (very likely), there is not ability to sign players.
Kenny S
1:26
Thoughts on the treatment of Andrew Vaughn in the early going? Sporadic ABs doing the youngster a disservice or agree with TLR that he’s gotta earn it?
Kevin Goldstein
1:26
Play him or put him somewhere where he can play. How do you earn it without playing?
CBA
1:26
What happens if it expires without a deal?
Kevin Goldstein
1:27
Then there is no CBA and technically the players are locked out and nobody can makes trades or sign anyone.
Jim
1:27
Do you think Verlander can still be a Cy Young contender at 39+?
Kevin Goldstein
1:27
I actually think it would be interesting to turn him into a late-career closer a la John Smotlz. I will add than I'm the LAST PERSON who would want to make that suggestion to Verlander in person.
Antoine Kelly
1:28
Does the TOS concern you with an arm like Kelly? I read Stearns said he was MVP of the alt site
Kevin Goldstein
1:29
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome always concerns me.
Goldylox
1:30
How does a front office go about weighting and projecting player production from overseas leagues like KOR/JPN?
Kevin Goldstein
1:30
It's a huge challenge. I've yet to see a projection/translation system for foreign league that I really trust.
Devil's Advocate
1:31
Why are people so surprised by the Yankee's slow start?  On paper, they went into this season with what I feel could be considered one of the most unreliable starting fives in recent history.  Outside of Cole, they had four guys who together had probably pitched 150 innings combined over the last two seasons.  I think their record accurately represents their team's talent.  Am I crazy?
Kevin Goldstein
1:32
You're not crazy in terms of your thoughts on their rotation, but you're crazy if you think a .333 winning percentage accurately represents the team's overall talent.
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