JotCast | MLBTR Chat With Jason Martinez: August 17, 2016

MLBTR Chat With Jason Martinez: August 17, 2016

Jason Martinez

4:12

Welcome to my 1st chat here at MLBTR. I spend most of my day updating depth charts because baseball news almost never stops, especially with all of the injuries. My unofficial count is 220 players on the DL!!! I'm looking forward to just talking some baseball for a bit.

Michael

4:13

Surprised by the Swanson promotion so early?

Jason Martinez

4:15

Very much. He wasn't exactly knocking down the door, as was the case with so many other top prospects this season. It does probably tell us that the Braves aren't interested with continuing their rebuild much longer and are focused on competing in 2017. They could be quite aggressive this offseason.

Alex

4:16

What do you think the Yanks could get back in a potential McCann trade?

Jason Martinez

4:16

It really depends on how much of that contract (2 yr, $34MM, I believe) they eat. I think there is interest, but he's not even the starting catcher on his own team right now.

Help im confused

4:18

Whos the next superstar in the bronx

Jason Martinez

4:19

Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge are studs. I'd go with one of those two, although there could be some growing pains in their first full MLB season in '17. Lots of young talent on the Yankees' roster.

Dan

4:21

Happ AL CY Young?

Jason Martinez

4:21

Happ is definitely in the conversation. Especially since his 17-3 record is going to be taken into consideration when it comes to Cy Young voting. Back-of-rotation starter to frontline starter at age 33!

AJ Pollock

4:23

What can be expected from me in September?

Jason Martinez

4:23

I know you're a professional athlete, A.J., and it feels like you won't miss a beat after missing most of the season. But I wouldn't expect much from you, man. Looking forward to 2017, though. I'm thinking 40 doubles, 40 stolen bases, 115 runs and 25 HR.

Chad

4:25

Was Andrew Miller to the Indians a good trade for Cleveland? He's a set up man and they gave up so much..

Jason Martinez

4:25

I'm sure it won't feel that way once Clint Frazier gets to the Majors and starts raking, but they're in a position to go for it. So I think it was a good trade. 8th inning or 9th inning doesn't matter. In this era, a reliever is needed for both of those innings.

John Conway

4:26

Will a Catcher be traded? Suzuki, McCann?

Jason Martinez

4:26

I don't either has much value right now. I think Suzuki could be traded but wouldn't be an everyday guy. Solid backup and veteran in the clubhouse.

Jays fan

4:28

Who is the prospect you are most excited to see when they get a September call up?

Jason Martinez

4:28

I'm a Padres fan so I'd go with Hunter Renfroe or Manuel Margot. Been awhile since we had 2 guys of that caliber so close to MLB-ready. Of course, Jankowski and Dickerson have proven to be much more than stop-gaps so probably only room for one of them,

I'll be doing one final "Knocking Down The Door" next week, highlighting the best prospects still in the minors and likely to get some decent playing time in September.

Rob

4:32

Have you implemented many changes at Roster Resource? Anything cool we can expect in the near future?

Jason Martinez

4:32

Nothing yet but lots of good stuff in the works. Probably won't be ready until November/December. For starters, it won't be so sloooooooooow. I think the main upgrade, aside from that, will be the ability to quickly view updates on players by clicking on an injury icon or on the player page.

Somedude

4:33

When will Ozzie Albies get the call now that Swanson is in the Bigs?

Jason Martinez

4:33

Sooner than previously expected with the Swanson promotion. I'd guess Swanson and Albies in the majors at SS/2B by May 2017.

Steven

4:34

Will greg bird be the Yankees starting 1b next year

Jason Martinez

4:35

Yep. His job to lose. Tyler Austin is his competition. But he's right-handed and versatile. Perfect fit off the bench, although he certainly has a chance to change that over next several weeks.

carrotjuice

4:35

Hi, Jason! Congrats on your first chat!

Jason Martinez

4:35

Thanks! I'll be doing this every Wednesday around the same time.

Brady Cooper

4:37

Who will the braves get as their catcher? What other upgrades might they make?

Jason Martinez

4:37

I wrote a piece for ESPN last offseason projecting the Braves' roster in 2018. I had Wieters at catcher (Georgia Tech connection). His value has dipped a bit so he'd at least be cheaper to sign if they wanted him.

Rock

4:38

Do you see the Phillies trying to trade Jeremy Hellickson still?

Jason Martinez

4:39

Yes, I'm sure they're open to it. But Matt Klentak made it clear that he was fine not trading him since they have some young guys who will need to be shut down early and someone needs to pitch in September.

Russ

4:41

Thoughts on the reds rebuild

Jason Martinez

4:41

Makings of a very good rotation (DeSclafani, Stephenson, Reed, Garrett), although there will be some growing pains as Reed showed this season. Senzel could move quickly. Probably 2 years away from competing.

Noah

4:45

Do the Pirates try to shop McCutchen this offseason?

Jason Martinez

4:45

I think every GM is willing to shop anyone. Every player has a price. I imagine Huntington will get calls from 29 GM's asking about him and hoping his price went down after a bad year. Not the ideal time to trade a guy, though.

Jason L.

4:48

A's promoting SS prospect Chad Pinder tonight. Is he here to stay or just getting a Cup of Coffee because of Jed Lowrie's injury?

Jason Martinez

4:48

Considering that he's sitting against a RHP today with Max Muncy at 2B, I'd say he's just there until Marcus Semien (expected to go on Paternity Leave soon) returns. Or maybe they didn't want him to make his MLB debut against Darvish. Could get a few starts this weekend, although that would be against Sale and Quintana.

Michael

4:51

Jharel Cotton has to be on his way up to Oakland soon, no? September or sooner?

Jason Martinez

4:51

I would think so, although the chances decrease the further we get into the season. Only so many innings these youngsters can throw in a season. Since he's on the 40-man, I think he'll at least get some relief appearances in September.

Sean

4:52

Where will the Blue Jays get extra innings if Sanchez is taken out of the rotation? Are they intending Bolsinger to take his spot in the rotation?

Jason Martinez

4:53

They have a 6-man rotation now and they have Feldman. And, if necessary, Bolsinger. So they should be covered. Not that they'd match Sanchez's production but they do have guys who they hope will give them quality innings. Sanchez would be a weapon out of the 'pen if they reach the playoffs.

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