JotCast | MLBTR Chat with Jason Martinez (September 14, 2016)

MLBTR Chat with Jason Martinez (September 14, 2016)

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Jason Martinez

5:14

He's helped by the PCL but I think he proved this season that he can be a 15-20 HR guy. 12 HR in 14 starts, I think, is impressive no matter where you're playing. I also wouldn't judge him on his rookie season since he played much less than a normal back up. The scouting reports have always said he'd be a decent hitter. Maybe a .750 OPS at his best with 15-18 HR. But for what he brings defensively, that's plenty.

Orioles

5:15

Can we still win the division?

Jason Martinez

5:15

If you keep pitching like you have (not Wade Miley, but the other starts). If your starting pitching reverts back to what you've been for much of the season, it will be tough.

Joey Mele

5:17

Is there a chance Trevor Story will come back this season? Or has Colorado effectively shut him down for the season?

Jason Martinez

5:17

Haven't heard a thing about it, which isn't surprising now that they're out of the Wild Card race. If he was close to returning and they were still in the race, that would be a big story and everyone would be talking about it.

Spencer V

5:19

People STILL don't talk about Kyle Seager -- why?!

Jason Martinez

5:19

Seattle is so far away! And it's on the west coast, so he plays when many baseball fans are asleep. We barely even hear about Robinson Cano anymore and he's still great. A little post-season success would change that quickly, though.

Aquizno

5:20

Will the Mets keep both Bruce and Cespedes

Jason Martinez

5:20

No. I think Cespedes is going to get paid a lot more than the Mets will be willing to spend.

Nate

5:23

Liked your mention of Yandy Diaz in the snub piece. Does chisenhall get moved this offseason with him finally having a decent season?

Jason Martinez

5:23

I could see that. He's having a solid season so there should be some interest. It's getting crowded there. Bradley Zimmer isn't that far away and they seem to like Abraham Almonte, who could be a solid 4th OF once Zimmer arrives. Michael Brantley should also be back at full health in '17. Diaz is also forcing his way into the picture.

manny margot

5:24

call up?

Jason Martinez

5:24

Since you're already on the 40-man roster, I think there is a very good chance.

ATX Halo

5:25

Will this be the winter the Halos finally find a 2B?

Jason Martinez

5:25

Sure. They'll have to look. Kaleb Cowart's audition isn't going so well.

Lars

5:27

Jason McLeod next Twins GM?

Jason Martinez

5:27

I think so. McLeod has a great reputation. Twins need to go in a new direction and I think his experience with the Cubs during their rebuild will help.

5:31

Indians in trouble without Salazar? Should we also be worried about Aiken long term?

Jason Martinez

5:31

I think you should worry about every pitcher long term. I hear throwing a baseball is an unnatural movement. Doing that over and over again at 95MPH probably isn't good for anyone. My arm always hurts after I throw a baseball and I'm pretty sure I maxed out around 75 MPH in high school. But, yes, the Indians aren't nearly as scary in a series as they would've been with Salazar. Kluber-Carrasco-Bauer still gives them a chance, but they wouldn't be my favorite.

Joey Mele

5:32

Many teams were linked to trying to trade for Jose Fernandez last offseason. What do you think the chances are he gets moved this offseason?

Jason Martinez

5:32

Slim to none. The Marlins are very close to being contenders and Fernandez is one of the biggest reasons why. He'd bring back a huge return but I don't think they're going backwards anytime soon. Never know with that ownership group but I'm pretty sure they'll try to add to the roster this offseason and not trade their ace.

M.J.

5:35

Do you think Jose Ramirez could be a younger version of Ben Zobrist (subbing power for speed) with his versatility and hitting abilities?

Jason Martinez

5:35

Yes. But with the year he's having at age 23, I'm guessing he could settle into one spot for the next several years. Then again, I think teams see what the Cubs are doing with Bryant, Contreras, Baez and see how much value there is in having guys who can play multiple positions.

5:36

Thoughts on the O's catching situation for next season?

Jason Martinez

5:36

I think Wieters will not be given a qualifying offer again and the O's will be in the market for one.

Waldo

5:37

Think the Nats try for Blackmon in the offseason and move Turner to SS? What does it take to get him?

Jason Martinez

5:37

Not really. It's pretty obvious that Dusty Baker loves Danny Espinosa. For good reason, too. Great defense. Good power. He'll be their SS for one more season before he's a free agent.

Mr. September

5:39

Hey Jason! Did you play baseball, and if so, what position?

Jason Martinez

5:39

Yep. I played Little League thru High School. Mostly SS. I loved pitching but my elbow would always hurt by mid-season. Pretty sure I've needed Tommy John surgery for over 20 years.

Micbg77

5:41

Why haven't the Padres traded Norris? They have Hedges and Norris seems like a waste at this point right?

Jason Martinez

5:41

He didn't do them any favors with the season he's having. No good trade offers for a guy who isn't playing well. I also think the Padres wanted to push Hedges' free agency back a year. In order to do that, he needed to spend less than 17 days in the majors. I don't have any problem with what they've done this season. Not sure why he was in the majors in 2015, though, since he barely played. Probably wore Norris down from playing so much.

Ben F

5:43

Twins trade polanco for taillon?

Jason Martinez

5:43

No way. Polanco's stock has improved some with his late season performance, but there are still questions about whether he can play SS long term. Guys like Taillon (frontline potential, controllable) have huge value.

M.J.

5:44

Do you think Atlanta's plans of contention along with SunTrust Park's opening in '17 is realistic? It seems they have way too many holes that free agency can't solve. They seem solid with Freeman at first and Swanson at short, but they have holes at second (if Albies isn't ready for opening day), third (Garcia and Peterson both seem like utility guys), catcher, two of the three outfield sports, starting pitching, and bullpen. It seems '18 when more prospects will be ready or '19 will be more realistic.

Jason Martinez

5:44

Not really. But sounds like they'll at least try. It's understandable that they don't want to be terrible in the first year in the new stadium. Should be a lot of fun to see Swanson/Albies playing together, though.

RIP bear Ham

5:47

I know he is bad defensively but how is Kemp below replacement level according to baseball reference, 31 hrs, 260 avg 325 obp thats above replacement right?

Jason Martinez

5:48

Bad defense. Bad BB-to-K rate. That stuff has a lot of weight in WAR. He'd obviously have much more value as a DH.

Got to run. Thanks for chatting everyone! Talk to you next week. Same place. Same time.

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