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Mark P
10:22
Hitting-wise, he doesn't seem to have much left to prove at Triple-A.  But, he hasn't actually been a catcher much this year since injuries limited him to either DH work or kept him out of action entirely.  

The O's aren't going to rush Basallo even given their need for catching on the active roster, even if that does leave them scrambling now if Handley is also hurt
Non-mathematical analysts?
10:23
Much has been said about how Kyle Harrison won’t be able to develop a good secondary pitch because of his arm angle. Were any writers saying this when he as a prospect? Are there any scouting-oriented writers you know of that are capable of making these types of observations?
Mark P
10:24
Just from glancing at Baseball America's page on Harrison, all of their annual scouting reports mention his arm angle in some context or another.  From 2022, for instance, "His arm is loose and whippy and easily produces velocity and deception from a low slot and cross-body finish, but he doesn’t repeat it well enough yet to throw strikes consistently."
10:26
Keep in mind, Harrison was a third-round pick, and not really a blue chipper until after he started to gain notice following his first pro season.  It's not like his potential flaws weren't already known, as (like with most pitchers) it was just a matter of how or if Harrison would overcome or adjust
Timothy
10:26
Why does josh bell get so much playing time with  a batting average under .200?
Mark P
10:27
At this point the Nats are hoping Bell goes on one of his patented ice cold-to-red hot sudden turns, in order to build his value for the trade deadline
Buzz Aldrin Bavasi
10:28
With the D'backs starting pitching injuries and soon-to-be free agents, is the org looking at a quick rebuild this year and in 2026?
Mark P
10:29
It's tough for the D'Backs since their lineup is still so excellent.  I don't think they'll sell unless things get really dire by the deadline, since their offense is so good that the front office will hope they can simply slug their way to a postseason berth.
Joshua
10:30
What would it take for Cincy to get Luis Garcia from the Nats?
Mark P
10:33
Garcia is controlled through 2027 as a Super Two player, and he has been really heating up after a slow start.  The Nationals therefore likely aren't going to move him without a significant return, like perhaps one of the Reds' better young pitchers.

I felt the Nats were going to be a lot more competitive than they've been, but in terms of the team's overall outlook, one figures they still want to/hope to be in contention for 2026.  Moving Garcia might not be something the Nationals want to do unless they plan to kick the can down the road another year
Phanatic
10:35
Is Dave going to blow up the farm system to fix the bullpen and maybe an outfielder? Would you trade Painter, Miller, Crawford, or Tait in a blockbuster?
Mark P
10:35
One or even two of them, sure, if it's for an ideal fit of a player.  Cleaning out the farm doesn't seem optimal, even as much as the Phillies are in win-now mode
Playoff expansion
10:36
Are you a fan of shortening the regular season to like 144 games and expanding the postseason to 16 total teams getting in?
Mark P
10:36
Nah, I'm not a fan of expanded playoffs.  Baseball is such an unpredictable sport that letting more teams into the bracket opens the door for more upsets and random champions, which isn't really a true reflection of the full season.
Guards Nation
10:37
Do the Guards have legit rotation arms in Luis Ortiz and Slade Cecconi?
Mark P
10:38
Both have looked pretty decent, which probably isn't surprising since the Guardians have been so good at developing pitchers.  Makes sense that they'd also be good helping pitchers they've acquired take the next step.
10:40
The only issue is that the rotation as a whole has looked "pretty decent" at best, which translates to a middle-of-the-pack starting five.  It's not really Cleveland's style to make such a move at the deadline, but the Guards are a team that could really use an ace.
Christian
10:40
It’s too hot in the Midwest. Give me your coldest take of the 2025 season so far
Mark P
10:40
Aaron Judge is going to have a great 2025 season
Yankee fan
10:42
Does Freddie Freeman sign an extension with LAD?
Mark P
10:43
Not that he's slowing down at all, but Freeman will be 38 when his contract is up after the 2027 season.  Retirement might well be in the cards, but if he's still performing like this in 2026, the Dodgers will surely have interest in seeing if he's willing to stick around for another year or two
Marcus Semien
10:45
Could the Rangers get anything for me this summer and is it time to move on?
Mark P
10:46
Semien is owed over $85MM through the 2028 season, and is currently in the midst of his second straight year of decline at the plate.  The Rangers aren't going to be able to move him unless they eat a lot of money, or take on another undesirable contract in return.
10:47
Time to wrap things up for this week's chat.  Thanks to everyone for the questions, and barring any further shift changes, we should be back with more answers next Sunday evening
10:48
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