JotCast | MLBTR Chat With Mark Polishuk

MLBTR Chat With Mark Polishuk

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Rendon

7:29

Do you see the Yanks signing me?

Mark P

7:30

Probably not, since the infield (and lineup as a whole) doesn't seem to be as nearly as big a concern as the pitching staff.

In theory, the Yankees already have LeMahieu, Urshela, or Andujar available to play 3B next year

7:31

Though this all being said, I expect the Yankees to check in on Rendon just because they're the Yankees. He's a great enough player that adding him to your lineup is the proverbial "nice problem to have"

Hunter

7:31

Do you see the rays making any big offseason moves in the trade or free agent “craziness” this year?

Mark P

7:32

You can never count out the Rays for any kind of creative move! No huge signings or anything, but maybe another Morton-esque contract to sign a guy for two years/$30MM or something.

And, of course, at least one trade with the Mariners :)

Chase

7:32

Why do so many sports writers constantly mention NTC’s as if they prevent real deals for happening? It often like a lazy way to not answer a question. Your thoughts?

Mark P

7:33

"Lazy" is kind of harsh. A no-trade clause is certainly a variable, given how we've seen deals squashed in the past because a guy simply doesn't want to go

Adam J

7:34

How can the mets rid themselves of cespedes?

Mark P

7:34

They can't. They'll keep him around, take the insurance payout, and just run out the clock on his contract

Mark in VT

7:35

What’s your opinion on Boone’s managing in the playoffs? Some are saying that he is mismanaging the bullpen and wasting guys on the bench.

Mark P

7:36

I don't have any real issue with his bullpen use, and in fact I think he's been wise to go to the pen at the first sign of trouble from the SP

The overall problem the Yankees face is that they don't have much of a margin for error with their bullpen-heavy strategy. If just one guy (i.e. Ottavino) has a rough series, that might be all it takes for a great team like the Astros to capitalize

Alan

7:37

Rank the 3 most probable destinations for G Cole and a bold prediction for a mystery team in the talks.

Mark P

7:38

Angels, Yankees, Padres

And not sure how much of a "mystery" this would be, but I wouldn't entirely rule out the Astros re-signing him. It'd be unlikely, but stranger things have happened

Atkins

7:38

Marte to the jays? whar would it take?

Mark P

7:39

Starling Marte? Seems unlikely, since he's only controlled through 2021, and the Jays aren't planning to contend this year anyway.

Larry

7:40

Does Joe Espada have a legit shot at managing the Cubs or is it David Ross's job? Wouldn't they have announced it already if David was the guy?

Mark P

7:41

It can't hurt the Cubs to check around and interview multiple candidates. Plus, we also don't actually know if Ross is the favorite

WookNH

7:41

Why is everyone talking about Strasburg opting out...it’s after 2020 season no?

Mark P

7:41

He has opt-outs after both 2019 and 2020

JohnWHenry

7:43

Who would you see as the biggest contenders to acquire Betts if the Sox trade him?

Mark P

7:43

Self-promotion alert!
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/10/looking-for-a-match-in-a-mookie...

7:44

Can an opt-out candidates agent make inquiries?

Mark P

7:44

Officially, no. Unofficially, I'm sure this happens all the time.

Zobi One Kenobi

7:45

Will a team pursue Zobrist this offseason? Does he still bring value?

Mark P

7:45

Sure, I'd imagine Zobrist has enough of a track record that he'll get interest from a few teams. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up in Anaheim with Maddon.

Just a question?

7:47

Any chance the Braves sign Wainwright?

Mark P

7:47

I'd be pretty surprised if Wainwright left STL

Fan

7:47

Is it wrong of me to think Theo Epstein is to blame for everything wrong with the cubs?

Mark P

7:49

"Everything" is pretty broad, and somewhat unfair. That said, the Cubs have really hurt themselves with some ill-advised trades and signings over the last couple of years (something Epstein himself has openly admitted and taken responsibility for)

Rizzo

7:50

Who is my main competition for Anthony Rendon?

Mark P

7:52

(This would be Nationals GM Mike Rizzo)

Phillies, Rangers, Angels, Yankees, Dodgers, maybe the White Sox, and I'm sure a mystery team or two would check in

Giants Dan

7:53

Odds that my Giants extend Bumgarner before FA opens?

Mark P

7:54

Very slim. Don't see why Bumgarner would pass up a chance to test the open market when he's so close to free agency

Real fans

7:55

Care about tonight's game. Pick the winner

Mark P

7:55

I'll predict a Yankees victory to even the series