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Mark P
8:21
Keep in mind that HOF voters....
a) can only vote for 10 candidates maximum
b) have had a lot of guys associated with PEDs clogging the ballot in recent years
c) have a lot of turnover in the membership, as new writers get ballots and older writers retire or stop voting
d) are allowed to change their minds about players

So with all this in mind, it isn't surprising seeing players vary wildly in terms of year-to-year vote toals
bmcferren
8:21
Marlins not budging on Eury for Bryan Reynolds, huh? Looks like Reynolds opens the year as starting center fielder for the Pirates, no?
Mark P
8:22
It is only January 29, plenty of time yet for a trade.  If it's a month from now on February 29 (wait....) and Reynolds is still a Pirate, it feels more like he'll indeed hang with the club until at least the deadline
charlie window
8:22
Hey, Mark.  What do you think of Houston's Dana Brown hire?
Mark P
8:24
I like the move.  Brown has had a big role in putting together the Braves' younger core, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do in charge of his own front office.  Pressure is on immediately, of course, since the Astros want to win again
Toronto Tonight
8:25
what do you think of the new dimensions of the Skydome…..I mean Rogers Centre?
Mark P
8:27
As a Jays fan, it'll take some time getting used to seeing a whole new field, especially when the first weird carom off the walls goes against the Blue Jays.
Charlesco
8:28
I am not a Tigers fan, but why did they trade Soto for average players?
Mark P
8:29
I didn't mind the trade return from Detroit's perspective.  Vierling and Maton can contribute immediately, which is no small thing for a team with a lot of question marks around the diamond.
Frau Blucher
8:30
Do you think Joe Mauer is a hall of famer?  How long do you think it will take?  Give an optimist timeframe and pessimist timeframe.
Mark P
8:31
Mauer will get voted in eventually, if not necessarily in his first try
Best case scenario, first ballot.  More pessimistically, it takes him 6-7 years if voters think his prime was too short or something
Guardians
8:32
Contact and speed are Cleveland's specialty, shouldn't they benefit the most from the rule changes?
Mark P
8:32
This is a good point about the Guards' relative lack of offense....suddenly, they might have a lot more opportunities to score runs based on the new rules
Ryan
8:33
Do the Royals trade Nicky Lopez? I've heard they've gotten solid trade offers on him. I don't think he'll ever be a consistent hitter but his defense is fantastic, he's a great base runner, and is a glue guy. What do you think would be a realistic return?
Mark P
8:35
One of my favourite stats in recent years is that Nicky Lopez had the 12th-best fWAR of any (qualified) player in baseball in 2021, beating out a lot of established stars.  Now, obviously that might've been his absolute ceiling as a player, but you're correct in that Lopez is sneaky valuable based on speed and defense alone.

However, it also makes a trade difficult since an interested team can always point to Lopez's lack of hitting as a reason to make a lesser offer.
8:36
The other factor for KC is that they might not want to move too much of their infield depth, after already trading Mondesi
Robbie
8:37
Are you going to do a Saturday chat anytime soon?
Mark P
8:38
I try to run the weekend chat during a slower time for news, since it's always awkward when things have to be cut short or interrupted by a breaking story.

During the day yesterday, for instance, there was a good amount of stuff happening to write about, so I figured I'd save the chat for Sunday evening.  Seems like a lot of baseball execs might be watching football tonight!
Guest
8:39
Do you know if the settlement with Torres pushes the Yankees above the last luxury tax threshold?
Mark P
8:40
They're just barely under, as per Roster Resource's projections.  Keep in mind that those are estimates, so the Yankees might be a little closer in either direction (and even slightly over the threshold).  But, bottom line, they're very close.
Yanks fan
8:40
Mark-do you think Rodon makes up for the fact we haven’t upgraded our line up and have question marks offensively at LF, 3B, SS and C?
Mark P
8:41
The Yankees are counting on a healthy LeMahieu to make up some of that offensive slack, plus progression from Peraza, Cabrera, and maybe Volpe.
8:42
Now, Brian Cashman has also said the team has been looking at other trade options, so it's quite possible another bat is still added before Opening Day
Johnny
8:43
I really like the Roberto Pérez - Giants signing. It gives Joey Bart an off-day when needed, which should be twice a week at least, and should give them a good defensive catcher. Are there more moves San Francisco should do to get somewhere close to playoff contention?
Mark P
8:45
The Perez deal makes a lot of sense for the Giants, indeed.  While I like SF's moves in general this winter, it feels like they're still missing a piece or two to get back into the postseason.  This isn't exactly a hot take, but not landing Judge, Correa, or another big name is a real disappointment for the club.
Kim Ng
8:47
Is Jazz my CF, or I am bluffing? Who is my closer? My LF? Should I deal another starter?
Mark P
8:49
Seems like the Marlins will give Chisholm a clear shot as the center field, since really, why not?

The LF will be De La Cruz and Sanchez, with Soler getting some time in the field once in a while.  Floro is probably going to close, or at least be first in line in a committee.
8:50
As to dealing another starter, moving a minor league pitcher is a possibility, but the Fish seem done in trading anyone from the big league staff
Prospect rankings
8:50
How much weight should we put in prospect lists? Kelenic was higher ranked than Julio Rodriguez
Mark P
8:51
Prospect rankings are ultimately just projections, and they tend to vary greatly from outlet to outlet.  (Plus, teams have their own internal rankings of their own prospects and other minor leaguers.)
Chafin
8:52
I mean just take a stab in the dark.  Who finally signs me?
Mark P
8:52
Cubs
Mauer vs Posey
8:53
They’re very similar. Please explain your logic as to why Posey is a no brainer 1st ballot while Mauer might take 6-7?
Mark P
8:54
Posey has three rings and was the key player of a mini-dynasty.  Plus, he ended his career as the best player on a 107-win team.  Mauer (rightly or wrongly) will be viewed as a player who was excellent, but perhaps never quite maxed out on his potential due to injuries.
Steven
8:54
Do the Jays extend Bichette, or will they explore trades?
Mark P
8:55
Bichette is controlled through 2025, so even if the Blue Jays don't have an extension on the long-term radar, they're in no real rush to move Bichette
What would it take?
8:57
What kind of extension would Max Fried get? ( Assuming he doesn't hit free agency) I'd have to think a sizable commitment.
Mark P
8:58
Likely in range of $200MM, given the cost of pitching
Highly Optimistic Twins Fan
8:58
Why haven’t the twins added anything to what was an awful bullpen last year? All the lefty guys make plenty of sense. Maybe Kepler for a 6th/7th inning guy?
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