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MLBTR Chat: 12/29/21
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Anthony Franco
5:38
They have to get some outside help, even if it's just re-signing Rosario or Soler
Jello452
5:39
Will you guys ever do a double chat with two different chats at a time with different writers?
Anthony Franco
5:39
We do those during the highest volume chats of the year, like right after the Top 50 free agents drops
Eric the Red
5:40
I am somewhat surprised by the MLBTR post saying that the Reds have a Suarez problem. Moose and Akayama are bigger dead weights than Suarez and There's only a Suarez problem if we're accepting the Reds ownership's cost cutting as financially necessary and not just a blatant cash grab. That's the Reds problem, not Suarez.
Anthony Franco
5:41
If Reds' ownership weren't seemingly mandating payroll cuts, then yeah, the Suárez deal doesn't hang over their heads as much
But it seems like they are, and I think it's fair to say that money presents an obstacle for the front office now that they're working with such seemingly tight budgetary limits
5:42
FWIW, Darragh also covered the Moustakas situation a few weeks ago. I agree it's a more regrettable deal than the Suárez one
Billionaires
5:42
Does the difference between a successful front office and a less successful one have more to do with ownership than the POBO? Seems like almost every front office is run by very smart people who could make great decisions if left alone. But some owners like to meddle.
Anthony Franco
5:43
It's both, yeah. I think certain front offices are better than others in terms of evaluating players and in creating actionable player development plans
5:44
But I generally agree. The gap between an above-average and a below-average front office is probably smaller than the gap between an above-average and a below-average ownership group
Guest
5:45
Do the Brewers trade a starter or Hader to acquire more offense? Thanks Anthony!
Anthony Franco
5:45
I think they'll be open to both but don't really need to. If they signed, say, Nelson Cruz (assuming there's an NL DH) then I think the lineup's OK as is
5:47
Getting Yelich back on track is obviously a huge deal, and a lot might depend on Luis Urías taking the next step. But generally speaking, I think the lineup's capable enough to win behind that kind of pitching staff
Angels 1961
5:47
Anthony, hope you and family have a safe and healthy new year.
Anthony Franco
5:47
Much appreciated, you and yours as well!
Thanks to the few others of you who have sent in holiday wishes as well. Don't want to fill up the chat with those but I appreciate them all
Let’s End the Lockout
5:48
What do the As want to move Frankie Montas?
Anthony Franco
5:48
I think Montas is less likely than either Bassitt or Manaea to go. At some point, you do need guys to start games for you
5:49
And Montas is around for another year beyond 2022, so there's less urgency to get something done now. I expect they'll keep him into the season and he's one of the higher-profile deadline candidates
Dipoto
5:49
What are your thoughts on Matt Chapman there seems to be some who think he is a top 5 3b impact bat and that the hip is all that set him back and others think he is a defense only 3b
Anthony Franco
5:49
I covered this more fully in a recent post for Front Office subscribers and don't have time in the chat to give a super detailed breakdown
5:50
But the TLDR version is that I'm pretty concerned about the offense. He swung and missed a ton last year, and he was getting eaten up by low-90s fastballs in the strike zone
5:51
That feels like a timing thing that never really got ironed out despite his and the A's best efforts. So I guess I'm closer to Camp B in your question, although "defense only player" is a little more extreme than I'd go
Get Shifty
5:51
How real is the Cardinals outfield? Does Carlson improve and can you count on Bader and O'neil both to sustain what they did in 2021?
Anthony Franco
5:52
Yeah I think it's really good. Not sure Bader can keep his strikeout low enough to hit .270 again but any regression he has should be offset by development from Carlson
Al Kaline battery
5:53
Do you see the success of Othani starting a trend? In little league and high school the best players usually pitch and play shortstop or centerfield.
Anthony Franco
5:53
I think he's at least making teams more willing to let guys experiment with two-way stuff in the minor leagues
5:54
But at his level, no. He's incredible, and I don't think there's anyone else on the planet capable of doing what he did in 2021
Lefty
5:54
Let's say Giants only go bargain route. Sign RH bats Harrison to share time at 2B and Pham for LF platoon. Then fortify rotation with two leftys, Boyd and Smyly. Are they still contenders?
Anthony Franco
5:55
I'd have them in the Wild Card mix but Dodgers would be a pretty easy division favorite for me if that's how things play out
Giants vs. Padres would be a tougher call at that point
Jarred
5:56
Likely team story will end up with?
Anthony Franco
5:56
I still like the Astros there
German Pint
5:56
is war more offensive based then defensive? Tatis and soto seem to have way higher war than they should with below average defense but but arenado is a gold glover with elite offense but his war isnt as high as theres. I find it important because players are getting paid by now a days
Anthony Franco
5:56
It's both but I think what you're getting at is the positional adjustment there
5:57
Guys who play shortstop just start at a higher baseline than third basemen do, so that's part of the factor with Tatís vs. Arenado
5:58
Soto has less defensive value obviously but he's probably the best hitter in baseball so it's fine
Ml
5:58
What team are you a fan of?
Anthony Franco
5:59
I was a Cubs fan growing up, became a D-Backs fan for a couple years (right before the Cubs got good). My fandom kind of disappeared organically as I wrote about baseball more though
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