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Mark P
9:11
Also, looking at Seattle's roster, they don't have any obvious spot for a hitting upgrade at the moment.  Once we get deeper into the season and, say, Kelenic and/or Pollock are struggling, or maybe there's an injury, that story could change.
9:12
I don't believe there's any cutoff date for a trade of CBR picks, so I think the Mariners can theoretically dangle that pick as trade bait up until draft day itself.
Up and Coming
9:13
Arizona or Baltimore have a better record by seasons end?
Mark P
9:13
Better record in 2023?

Diamondbacks (41.2% | 208 votes)
 
Orioles (52.5% | 265 votes)
 
Exact same record (6.3% | 32 votes)
 

Total Votes: 505
9:14
Interesting question here.  The D'Backs have the advantage of playing in a weaker division, but Baltimore might have the higher ceiling for talent
Arte Moreno
9:15
Angels have another losing season do I sell team?
Mark P
9:16
The win-loss record didn't seem to be a factor in Moreno's decision to put the team on the market, or ultimately decide to keep them.
Ohtani
9:18
If Angels having winning or losing season I test free agency.
Mark P
9:19
It seems like he'll test free agency regardless of what happens this season, considering that the Angels apparently haven't started extension talks yet.  Obviously a winning season might help Ohtani's feeling about staying in Anaheim, but ultimately, I lean towards him playing elsewhere in 2024
Field of Dreams Game
9:20
Is this taking place this year?
Mark P
9:21
Nope.  A new baseball/softball complex is being built near the site, so the FOD game won't be back until 2024 at the earliest
Jose Mesa's blue glove
9:22
Does Grayson Rodriguez make the starting rotation out of spring for the O's?  He's had an okay spring, nothing spectacular.
Mark P
9:25
Ideally, the Orioles would've preferred if Rodriguez had a big spring and made their decision easier.  It'll be interesting to see if Baltimore has him break camp, since while there's other competition for rotation spots, Rodriguez has the most intrigue and upside
GoPhils!
9:26
Looking for a right-handed outfielder.. Can we swing a trade with Oakland for Laureano?
Mark P
9:27
Laureano would command a good portion of regular at-bats, and even with Harper out and the DH spot in rotation, the Phillies have a lot of players they'd like to see get playing time.
That isn't to say Philly might not get a RHH outfielder, but maybe not a regular-type player like Laureano
Cards
9:28
If arenado misses time will walker immediatley slot in at 3rd?
Mark P
9:29
For those not watching the WBC game, Arenado just left the game after being hit on the hand.  As per Twitter reports, Arenado looked like he was telling teammates on the bench that he was okay, so that's some measure of relief for terrified Cardinals fans
Reds fan
9:30
Who is the Reds next ROY
Mark P
9:31
Elly De La Cruz in 2024?  The scouting reports are downright glowing
TMNT
9:31
You’re the fifth turtle…what is your artist inspired name? Eye mask color? Weapon?
Mark P
9:32
Only the most pressing questions here in the weekend chat!

Caravaggio, neon green, throwing stars
Jon
9:33
Hey what’s you’re thoughts on players getting hurt in the WBC and having an impact on MLB teams season. Jose Altuve injury looks really bad for the Astros.
Mark P
9:34
Injuries happen.  I realize having a star player get hurt in an "extra" competition is different than a player getting hurt in Spring Training, but the pros of this awesome WBC tournament outweigh the cons.

I have to imagine that if you asked Altuve, Diaz, or any player who got hurt, they don't regret suiting up for their country.
Jeff
9:35
With Gonsolin injured, which of the dodgers young pitchers steps into the rotation?
Mark P
9:36
Gavin Stone had a whale of a game today in Cactus League play, but it seems like Pepiot and Grove are ahead of him in the competition.  It's not good to ever lose a pitcher like Gonsolin, but the Dodgers have a really solid core of young depth on hand
Soundguy Maddux
9:37
If Soroka comes back as Soroka---all the other starters are pitching well and healthy--could you see a world where the Braves trade Fried to someone like the Yanks?  Sadly I don't see them extending Fried.
Mark P
9:39
Trading Fried during the season obviously isn't happening, since if the Braves have everyone healthy and pitching well, they'll be in contention and won't be moving their ace.

Dealing Fried after the season (he is a free agent after 2024) would be more plausible in this scenario, but again, only if Atlanta is very comfortable that it has the young arms to replace Fried and Charlie Morton.  Seems far more likely to me that even if Fried isn't extended, the Braves ride out his contract as they did with Freeman and Swanson
Bob
9:40
Is AJ Hinch safe no matter what this year?
Mark P
9:41
His deal runs through the end of the 2025 season, so the Tigers would be eating two years of salary if they did fire him.  That's not nothing, but it's also maybe a move ownership might feel compelled to make if the team craters again.
Guest
9:42
Does Andres Munoz eventually take over as closer for Seattle or will it continue to be a split between he and Sewald?
Mark P
9:43
I lean towards Sewald remaining the nominal closer, though Seattle will be reasonably flexible with save situations depending on matchups
Sean
9:44
deGrom looked like the ace he is in his Cactus League debut today. The rest of the starters have been lights out. If they stay relatively healthy, do you think the Rangers could sneak up and make the postseason?
Mark P
9:45
Texas in the playoffs wouldn't shock me, with all the talent on that roster.  It would be quite a turn-around if the Rangers went from a rough rotation to being a club carries by its pitching, but stranger things have happened.
David
9:47
So MLB pays Diaz salary this year…does his salary still count against the Mets luxury tax?
Mark P
9:47
Yes
Jays fan
9:47
Do you think Kikuchi has a big year for the jays?
Mark P
9:49
No, in the sense that a "big year" implies something like an All-Star appearance.  But it is possible Kikuchi can be a solid member of the rotation, which also counts as big in Toronto's viewpoint since that would erase a major question in the rotation.

Kikuchi's spring performance has been good, even if his walks are still a red flag.
Winn
9:50
I know Winn will most likely be in AAA this year Despite his strong showing (mostly because of the glut of talent and his age). What needs to happen for him to become the new franchise SS?
Mark P
9:52
The Cardinals have an enviable group of talent on hand, and while injuries and underperformance will inevitably hit at least a couple of their players, it almost feels like STL will have to trade someone to make room.  If they think Winn is the guy of the future and is ready, perhaps Gorman is traded to open up second base (for either Winn or Edman/Donovan?)
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