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Mark P
8:50
Technically, executives aren't allowed to specifically say "we're not pursuing this one particular free agent."  And, the Cards may indeed be considering Contreras as a valid option, since he's a good player.

As other reports have speculated, however, I tend to think someone like Christian Vazquez is a better fit, if not a Murphy trade
SM
8:52
What’s your gut saying for bogaerts ? Stays with RS or will be new home by next spring ?
Mark P
8:53
My guess is that he's definitely not re-signing in Boston, seems like that ship has sailed.  As per the recent rumors, Philly makes sense, but really any of the teams in need of shortstops (or who could be losing shortstops) might work.  Maybe Bogaerts joins Betts out in Los Angeles?
Doug
8:53
With the limits on pickoffs at first base next year, do you expect the number of stolen bases to increase a lot?
Mark P
8:53
Absolutely
The Goat
8:54
Does Aaron Judge subpar postseason history effect his contract?
Mark P
8:54
Nope
Joshua
8:54
How come we rarely see top prospect for top prospect type trades? Seems this is an extremely underutilized market that GMs just don't do. Just as one example, the Marlins have a bunch of good young starting pitching with the need for more bats, specifically a CFer. The Nationals could definitely use more starting pitching and have solid high end OF depth in the minors. Would these two teams even consider doing a Eury Perez for Robert Hassell type trade? (And even if this specific trade example doesn't make sense, my point remains the same).
Mark P
8:55
There's enough risk involved in prospects that a "risk for risk" type of move doesn't hold much appeal to most executives.  If you're dealing a top prospect, you generally want to at least get an established player back in order to get more certainty on your roster
Guest
8:55
Who is one player that you love that will never be in Cooperstown?
Mark P
8:57
I wasn't a Tigers fan growing up or anything, but it's pretty baffling that Lou Whitaker hasn't gotten much HOF attention, either from the writers or now even from the "modern era" veterans committee.  Granted, there are a lot of great candidate for a vets committee to consider, but Whitaker is a better player than at least four of the eight guys on the ballot, imo
Go CARDS
8:57
If you have to guess which catcher will STL get? Contreras, Jansen, Kirk or Vesquez
Mark P
8:58
Of that group, I lean towards Vazquez.  He only costs money, whereas Contreras costs money and draft pick compensation (via the QO), and Kirk or Jansen would require a notable trade return
Guest
8:59
So would a Peraza-for-Alek Thomas trade make sense? The Yankees have Volpe coming, Arizona has multiple lefty hitting OFers, and, IIRC, they’re similar ranked prospects.
Mark P
8:59
Hey, speaking of prospect-for-prospect deals...

That trade would indeed make a lot of sense for both sides
Clevinger
9:00
Am I toast or will a change of scenery help me?
Mark P
9:01
Not toast at all.  If anything, Clevinger might be underrated now that he's healthy
For the H
9:02
Even without a GM how active does Houston look to be in free agency?
Mark P
9:03
Hard to say, since we don't know how differently the front office will operate under the new circumstances.  Assistant GM Bill Firkus is the new point person, but if Jim Crane is calling the shots, who knows
Rangers fan
9:03
Adolis Garcia for Max Kepler. Who says no?
Mark P
9:03
I'd say no if I'm Texas, though I'm down on Kepler
Or, more down on Kepler than most, perhaps more accurately
Bills v. Vikings
9:04
Best game of the year, right?
Mark P
9:05
As a Green Bay fan, I'm admittedly more partial to the Packers beating the Cowboys yet again
Scott H
9:05
Why would Pollock opt out of his contract?
Mark P
9:06
Good question.  Basically, he's making an $8MM bet on himself --- he took a $5MM buyout of his $13MM player option.

Can he find an $8MM deal coming off his down year, and entering his age-35 season?  I have my doubts, but it's worth remembering that Pollock was really good as recently as 2021
Ryan
9:08
What is a realistic return the Mariners could get for Marco? Do other teams really value that profile?
Mark P
9:09
He eats innings, is under control for at least two more years on a reasonable contract.....Gonzales isn't without value, even if some teams will be instantly turned off by the lack of strikeouts
Jim
9:10
Should the Pirates trade Bryan Reynolds?  Will they?
Mark P
9:11
Doesn't seem like they will.  The "should" question is trickier, but I lean more towards keeping him and making an effort to contend by 2024
JonCor
9:12
With the more balanced schedule, do you think we will see less of the premium put on trading within the division?
Mark P
9:12
Maybe a little, but not to any great extent
jd
9:13
Why would the orioles sign one of the fa ss?  I get prospects are just that, prospects, but most of theirs are capable of playing short. Wouldn't it make more sense to use that money on pitching instead?
Mark P
9:13
On the flip side, those shortstop-capable prospects are also nice trade chips that can help acquire pitching.
Youve never answered any of my questions
9:14
First FA signing preller does
Mark P
9:15
Robert Suarez!

Or, I can see Profar remaining in SD
Mark P Wannabe
9:16
Verlander to? Dodgers, Tigers, Yankees?
Mark P
9:17
Nostalgia aside, I can't see Verlander going to Detroit when it isn't at all clear if the Tigers can contend.

My guess is Houston re-signs him
Not Buying the Hype
9:17
Do you think the Giants actually land one of Judge or the big four SS? After all the times they've come up short recently I'm just not buying it
Mark P
9:17
This seems like the winter the Giants finally swing a major signing.  They've got the payroll space, and some greater urgency after a .500 season
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