JotCast | MLBTR Chat With Mark Polishuk

MLBTR Chat With Mark Polishuk

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Mark P

10:08

Absolutely. The Cubs weren't a bad team last year whatsoever. I think the consternation from the fanbase comes from the "we're out of money" stance from ownership, when that's just patently untrue

10:09

I appreciate the luxury tax factor, but again, the tax bill is pretty limited with the Cubs as first-time offenders.

Extensions..

10:09

Going to see more than players hitting FA?

Mark P

10:11

The last two offseasons have definitely created a whole new dynamic for free agency, for sure. It could lead to slightly lesser FA markets for the next couple of years, until the next CBA is renegotiated (though who knows that will impact things)

Baseball Chats

10:11

Orioles outlook for 2019?

Mark P

10:11

To quote Pete Campbell from Mad Men...."not great, Bob."

St. Louis Browns

10:12

You never answer any questions about us.

Mark P

10:12

Here's the link to my trade candidate piece about George Sisler....

10:13

...oh darn, link expired in 1953

Baseball fan

10:13

Trout is theoretically worth more than 10/400 right?

Mark P

10:14

Definitely. He's the one-in-a-million type of player who breaks normal projection models.

Mike

10:15

Does the cold market seem to affect pitchers more than hitters?

Mark P

10:17

I'd tend to say hitters. With pitchers, there's always theoretically a spot open under the "you can never have enough pitching" credo. For hitters, however, certain positions (1B, DH) seem almost totally frozen for multi-year deals unless you're an elite-level guy. Plus if you're an infielder, it seems like more and more teams are demanding that you become a multi-position type of guy

Francisco

10:17

Lindor for Tatis. Who says no?

Mark P

10:17

Cleveland, in a heartbeat.

Jackson

10:18

Chances Jo Adell is the opening day RF in 2020?

Mark P

10:19

Maybe not 'opening day' due to the ol' service time reasoning, but it wouldn't shock me to see Adell early next season. I wouldn't even rule out seeing him late this year if the Angels are in the race and need a boost

econprof

10:20

With Cleveland's need for outfielders, and Cincy's surplus, I'm surprised that I haven't heard rumors of a trade across Goodyear of Ervin, Schebler, or Kemp. Thoughts?

Mark P

10:21

Reds/Indians had talks earlier this winter when the Reds checked in on Bauer and Kluber. Wouldn't surprise me if those names came up...well, Kemp would be a surprise, Cleveland isn't absorbing that salary

Soxrepeat2019

10:21

Is jd going to opt out after the season?

Mark P

10:22

My guess is no. He'd be leaving a lot of money on the table, and he had a long enough wait in free agency last year that he probably isn't eager to repeat the process when he's two years older.

10:23

Any chance Padres make a move for a tor sp? Stroman, Bauer?

Mark P

10:24

Padres were rumored to be in on Bauer earlier this winter, and I'd bet they've called the Jays about Stroman. Honestly, it seems like San Diego was in on just about every big name this winter. They still really need some pitching.

Matt

10:24

Could Murray play both Sports like Sanders,Jackson and so on? Does the Royals need a Catcher?

Mark P

10:25

1. Playing quarterback is vastly different than being a running back or a cornerback. I don't see any possible way Murray could be a QB and still play baseball --- his NFL team would totally balk at it, for one.

2. Yep, the outlook isn't good for Salvy Perez

10:26

Yanks spent money wisely this offseason. Why are they being criticized as chesp?

Mark P

10:27

Decades of George Steinbrenner spending sprees conditioned Yankees fans to chase every big-name free agent on the market every year. Especially with Machado and Harper, two guys who have been considered as future Yankees for years

Jay

10:27

Carlos Gonzalez back to Denver like last year? Haven't heard much about his market.

Mark P

10:28

CarGo seemed like a redundant piece in Colorado even last year. A reunion makes even less sense now.

Bob

10:29

If the Cubs don't make the playoffs this year, and don't get Kris Bryant to sign an extension this year. Do they trade Bryant next winter w/2 years left on his contract, to get max return?

Mark P

10:32

This would definitely count as the nuclear option for Cubs fans. A healthy Bryant would net a huge haul in a trade return. Given that Bryant is a Scott Boras guy, an extension might be less likely to happen. So it'd be something the Cubs would at least think about if they felt the need for something radical.

This all said....two years of Bryant is still such an asset for the Cubs. Even if they didn't win this year, they'd still be planning to bounce back quickly in 2020, and Bryant would be a big part of that push

10:33

So in short, I'd call a Bryant deal unlikely

Disappointed Fan

10:33

Any Thoughts on Kenny Williams statement about the White Sox being cheap and that the White Sox had the better offer? Do you agree?

Mark P

10:36

I outlined some of my counter-arguments to Williams' statement in MLBTR's post on the subject:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/03/ken-williams-discusses-white-so...

In short, I'm not sure "being cheap" is necessarily the right criticism, but I don't really understand the team's strategy. They were operating as though Machado could be had at a bargain, which ended up not being the case even if his attitude/hustle issues did impact things. If the White Sox really had been preparing for a Machado pursuit for months, surely they would've known that $300MM was the minimum price tag.

10:37

The real kicker to me was Williams claiming that a Machado overpay would keep the Sox from extending their young stars. I mean.....NONE of those guys have proven anything at the big league level, plus those extensions are years down the road. Even Anderson and Rodon are just decent regulars rather than stars who will demand big extensions.

Cheech

10:38

Harper plays hard, doesn't take plays off (so to speak...despite the benching a couple yrs ago), and with abandon. Worry of age and injury with him, more than Manny or Trout?

Mark P

10:38

Absolutely. Harper's injury history is much more checkered than Trout and Machado combined.

Mr. Met

10:38

Why the hate on the Mets

Mark P

10:38

I don't hate the Mets. I think they'll be quite good this season!

Boy meets Squirrel

10:39

Favorite snack at the ballpark? Or when watching the games from home?