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(5) Tool Time
8:51
Will the international free agent signing period be affected by the lockout or would those be considered non-union minor league signings?
Mark P
8:51
I would guess the int'l signing period (scheduled to begin on January 15) is postponed, in part because the international signings rules might be changed by the new CBA
Aikens
8:52
Does Gurriel and a 10-20 rated prospect get us Manaea?
Mark P
8:52
"Aikens" = Jays GM Ross Atkins

I tend to think Gurriel alone for Manaea might be a workable deal for both sides
Justin V
8:53
I changed my mind and will now go to Detroit.  Do you agree with my decision?
Mark P
8:54
There's so little known about the Verlander situation that it's hard to say, but simply "changing his mind" about returning to Houston seems a little too pat.

That said, it is weird that over two weeks after that deal seemed to be complete, we still haven't gotten any finalized word
Jed Hoyer
8:54
You told me Mark Polishuk that I wasn’t going to spend and I’ve already spent 95 million. Who am I getting? Correa? Rodon? K Seager? Rizzo?
Mark P
8:55
Well, I was indeed a little off-base about my theory that the Cubs weren't going to do any serious spending.  Now, they haven't done any real LONG-TERM spending, so Correa still seems like a very long shot.  The other names listed, however, seem at least feasible now that we know the Cubs are willing to stretch the pocketbook a bit.
Lunar verLander
8:56
Speaking of Verlander...any thoughts as to why the Astros didn't announce the signing before the lockout?
Mark P
8:57
I would have to imagine it's because Verlander hasn't taken his physical yet, though why that would be delayed for so long is anyone's guess.  Or, the physical was taken, the Astros found something they didn't like, and they're now discussing new terms.

However, this is just speculation.  One would imagine if it was something as notable as an issue with JV's physical, that news would have leaked already
Reds
8:59
Is there a precedent for a team acquiring 3/5ths of a rotation? Is there a team that would be motivated and have the prospect capital to bring in castillo, mahle, and gray for the next two years?
Mark P
8:59
All three guys in one trade??  That doesn't seem feasible, since the Reds aren't going to completely blow up their rotation all at once, nor will they dilute their prospect return by moving three prime trade chips in a single deal
Jake
9:01
what do you think of this lockout
Mark P
9:01
It stinks!
Spanky
9:01
Did you get the sense Semien was not happy about having to play 2B? Kept calling himself a middle infielder at the presser.
Mark P
9:02
The Rangers have some flexibility with their infield situation, since IKF can play anywhere, Seager might move off shortstop in a couple of years, and Jung may soon be installed at third base.  So I'd guess Semien was stressing that he is open to playing either 2B or SS, depending on the Rangers' needs
MLBTR FAN
9:03
Will Tim Dierkes ever do these again
Mark P
9:04
Tim does an exclusive chat every week with members of our Trade Rumors front office subscription service.  For more info...

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/membership
GabeOfThrones
9:04
If players are locked out, are they technically free to sign elsewhere, say Japan, or Korea? I know it’s highly unlikely, but maybe they could sign deals with opt-outs for when the season resumes?
Mark P
9:05
"Highly unlikely" is correct.  Keep in mind, the NPB and KBO teams only have a certain number of roster spots available to international players.  They're not going to leave themselves shorthanded at one of those spots if they sign a player who leaves back to North America after six weeks if the lockout ends quickly
Ozzie
9:06
do you see the Braves trading ozuna ?
Mark P
9:06
Highly doubt any teams want to bring that salary and that controversy to their roster
Brew Crew Fan
9:07
I've seen a lot of posts about the NL Central being wide open. I know it's one of the weaker divisions on paper but with the Brewers top 3 starters n shut down 8th n 9th inning guys shouldn't they be the clear favorites going into next year?  (This comment is obviously based on current rosters, n talks that most NL Central teams rnt looking to make big moves).
Mark P
9:07
I wouldn't call the Central wide open, as both Milwaukee and St. Louis clearly seem like the two best teams,  However, even those two have some unanswered questions with the offense, so it's not out of the question that one of the other three clubs might surprise
@therealRangers29
9:08
I want to see us sign Suzuki and Cruz then trade for Tyler Mahle and call it an off-season. Possible?
Mark P
9:09
Certainly possible, given how aggressive Texas has been.  But I'd argue that adding just Gray and Mahle to that lackluster rotation isn't enough
Vlads dad
9:09
Is there anything to stop a team from signing a free agent like let’s say Kris Bryant to let’s say a six year minor league deal and if he makes the roster he gets $20mil?
Mark P
9:10
While I don't know all the specifics of the lockout rules, I would imagine such a deal isn't technically allowed.

And if you're Scott Boras, you absolutely aren't advising your client to sign a non-guaranteed deal.  What if Bryant blew his knee out in Spring Training?
Cleveland
9:12
Will the Guardians logo have an Angel theme or gladiator theme?
Mark P
9:12
It seems like they're sticking with that "wings around a baseball" as the logo, which is disappointing
That logo seemed all the world like a placeholder until they could come up with something more creative
Halifax
9:13
Blue Jays actually going after Freeman doesn't make sense, does it? Leave Vlad at 1st, and sign/trade for 2nd/3rd.
Mark P
9:14
Freeman is a strong enough bat that I'd say it's worth it.  Keep in mind, the Jays seem to be a team that doesn't mind having the DH spot mostly filled by one player, i.e. Kendrys Morales or their original plan of Rowdy Tellez heading into this past season.
JRoll
9:14
Does Jimmy Rollins make the HOF?
Mark P
9:14
I doubt it.  Terrific player, but not HOF level in my view
Tempy2DHall
9:15
Is there a market for Ha-Seoung Kim? What could the Pads expect in return?
Mark P
9:16
There would be a market, since I imagine some teams feel Kim would improve just after a more normal season and with more playing time.  But, his first year was unimpressive enough that the Padres would have to get creative with a deal, especially with a good chunk of money still committed to Kim's contract
Derek Jeter
9:18
Who plays CF in Miami next year? Most of the names we’ve been on are COF (Schwarber). Garcia and Sanchez can’t possibly be there full time? Counting on the DH?
Mark P
9:18
They seem ok with Garcia getting a lot of the CF reps, but I agree that he isn't exactly an ideal fit.  Maybe the Marlins still get a Schwarber type for the other corner spot, but then acquire a defense-first fourth OF type who can be a late-game sub for Garcia
Lou Whitaker
9:19
What about me?  Do I deserve to be in?  What are my chances next year?
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