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Jeffrey Todd
2:00
Gather round for chatting.
I will leave a few minutes for everyone to do so, then we will commence.
Rob
2:00
Hey
Jeffrey Todd
2:01
Oh, hey Rob. What is up with you? Good being here together.
I see Brandon is here, that's good. And Dodgers Fan. And Bryce Harper!!!
(Go ahead and drop some questions, I'll be back soon!)
Bryce Harper
2:06
Do you think my manager is back next year?
Jeffrey Todd
2:06
Lean yes, but I don't know.
2:07
You will notice they are pretty thin, b/c as I've mentioned here before, I just don't have any confidence assessing managerial performance. Obviously we can see the major lineup decisions and late-inning moves. But even in those cases, we frequently lack key info (esp if they have some reason not to disclose it  after the fact).
Dodgers Fan
2:07
Should I be nervous at all?
Jeffrey Todd
2:07
Not really, no.
Zach
2:07
The opening day starter for the 2018 Phillies will be ________
Jeffrey Todd
2:08
Don't see how it's not Nola unless they go wild. That said, I do see some possibility of the Phils pursuing a major pitching acquisition, either in FA or via trade.
Craig
2:08
Dodgers have a ton of dead money AND ethier's contract coming off the books (i think $60M total), any idea what they do with all that?
Jeffrey Todd
2:08
That isn't how they are looking at it, I don't think. They have something on the order of 200MM already committed for 2018 before arb. It ramps down fairly quickly from that point. But they do have Kershaw to consider.
2:09
I imagine (but dont know) that the LAD payroll is fairly flexible. They probably have projections worked out, but would consider going over or under as necessary, with impacts on winning and gate/merchandise/etc also factoring.
Alek
2:10
Is Nick Hundley a legitimate candidate to catch for the Nats next year?
Jeffrey Todd
2:10
*shudders*
No disrespect to Hundley, or Wieters for that matter. But that level of catcher is a reserve on a winning team. They need to do much better.
Interesting that everyone largely split in the poll, with about half of readers preferring a bigger upgrade and the other half preferring some kind of complementary piece to go w/Wieters.
2:12
I find myself in the former camp, b/c I think its the key place for the Nats to improve in 2018.
Jeff
2:12
How do you see the Giants fixing their outfield?
Jeffrey Todd
2:12
Ultimately, I don't.
Span and Pence can be better  than they were last year. And should be. But they are clearly in decline.
2:13
So, I don't see a real way to fix it so long as those two are in there. And I like both players, it's just facing facts.
That said, there are tons of options. Cain makes the best fit b/c he can just plug into CF and bump Span to left. But he's somewhat older himself and won't be cheap. This raises the long-term contract risks the team already has.
2:14
Getting Stanton or another big piece ... perhaps adding two OFers ... there are ways to "fix," but it'll cost.
Pad Squad
2:14
What type of prospect do you think will make a nice finishing touch on the Padres rebuild, and where do they get him? I'm thinking a left-handed middle of the order left fielder.
Jeffrey Todd
2:15
I wouldn't ever really think of prospects quite this way. Primary consideration there is always talent.
2:16
If you mean mostly to refer to young MLB players, then ... it's still sort of tough to target for need. Again, the driving force has to be talent (along with opportunity). You can sign a FA for need, which obviously this team isn't quite ready to do (in terms of major investments).
Clearly, though, SS remains a long-term need. They'll probably need a 2B or 3B to really lock things down. Your suggestion makes sense, sure. And there are still plenty of questions in the pitching staff (talent, too).
So ... long way to go yet. They are just accumulating as much talent as possible for the time being.
Kyle Schwarber's mom
2:17
Would you like some pies to help you deal with the Nats' exit?  I've got some extras stored away for the Cubs' potential elimination.  Hopefully I won't binge too hard while I'll unseal my 2016 World Series DVD that I've been saving to watch for such a moment.
Jeffrey Todd
2:17
As always, you're the best!
troy
2:17
Braves Starting lineup and rotation for 2018?
Jeffrey Todd
2:17
Let's see how the FO thing shakes out first.
Zach
2:17
Most realistic big name the Phillies will acquire either via Free Agency or Trade this winter?
Jeffrey Todd
2:18
Not sure, but they are very well situated to add just about whoever they want. Future payroll capacity through the roof.
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