JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat

MLBTR Live Chat

Jeffrey Todd

2:10

Hey all ... I'll let our chat room fill up and then we'll get moving shortly.

Luke

2:11

Any chance Cards go for another bat?

Jeffrey Todd

2:13

Not sure I have an easy time seeing who that'd be. Unless a nice opportunity comes up to make a trade, the FA crop doesn't make sense for them in my view. They have already added the corner OF piece and never had interest in JDM. Hosmer and Moustakas aren't worth the price, if they are upgrades at all really versus the current STL options.

Jon

2:13

What do you think the chances are of Lynn to the Mets?

Jeffrey Todd

2:13

Not great, now reinforced by Rosenthal saying they really haven't engaged with his reps. That doesn't mean it can't happen, but there has never been an indication that they would go plunk down 15 mil a year (or whatever) for a starter.

2:15

IMO the "Mets waited out the market" narrative is being overplayed. Frazier turned out to be a nice slashed rate, due in some part to what seems to be a strong geographic preference. But the other moves have all been at expected prices. So ... not like they suddenly seem to have newly available payroll space or something, unless they just decide it's worth boosting the payroll.

(Yes I can actually feel Mets fans rolling their eyes at the idea of the Wilpons spending more through the computer.)

Dr Bombay

2:16

What would it cost for the Braves to trade for Adam Duvall?

Jeffrey Todd

2:17

Too much, probably. There's some sense to that match, if they happened to really like Duvall, b/c the Reds would have to jump at the chance to pick through the Braves' bin of young pitching. But my expectation is they'll wait for an opportunity to add a more impactful player at some point. No need to lock into Duvall now.

Enrique Martinez

2:17

If the dbacks dont get jd back then who do they target?

Jeffrey Todd

2:18

Not sure this is a scenario where they check down to the next guy up if they miss on JDM. Adding him would mean dealing other players to make payroll space. If that doesn't happen, they might just roll with what they have.

(Apart from whatever moves they might make regardless, I mean.)

2:18

I think I should just sign for five years so the dominoes can start to fall

Jeffrey Todd

2:18

If there's anyone justified in waiting to see who blinks and ups the offer or joins the pursuit, it's probably Yu.

Brian

2:19

Hi Jeff. Do you see the giants above or below 85 wins.

Jeffrey Todd

2:19

Give me the under.

Bob

2:19

How do teams decide which arbitration cases to negotiate on?

Jeffrey Todd

2:20

Well, they have to negotiate them all. I assume you mean more, which will they take a hard line on, etc. There are tons of possible factors, even once you get past the tender/non-tender call. How tough do you want to be with a given player? PR stuff, possibility of extension talks, precedent, how many years of control remain, relationship with player/agent ...

2:22

Plus, as I mentioned in the comments on the Wheeler post today, you have to see that there's a larger battle going on in arb. The player side, generally, is fighting to expand its share of revenue. That's why we sometimes see hearings over seemingly inconsequential amounts of money. This year, there are 23 hearings -- a huge number. Okay, so not a lot is at stake even when you add those up. But what about when you take the results into account for future years?

So far, it's players 7, teams 3.

Buddy the elf.

2:22

If I ever get rich, I'm gonna buy the Yankees and sell them to Japan.

Jeffrey Todd

2:22

This is the dumbest thing I've ever read.

2:23

You should buy them and MOVE THEM TO JAPAN YOURSELF. Jeez.

Theo

2:23

I sit back and don't sign Darvish, Arrieta or Cobb. Who do I trade for mid-season? Who do I give up?

Jeffrey Todd

2:24

That's probably a better strategy for a team with a really robust farm system and that projects to run off with its division. (Astros, Dodgers, Nats, Indians) I think the Cubs are more likely to feel they need to try to make a move to boost the rotation this winter-- assuming they really feel that is needed.

Donaldson Ducks

2:25

Help!!! ... I've been relegated to following the NBA trade deadline because the MLB off-season is sloooooow. I'm not even much of an NBA fan.

Jeffrey Todd

2:25

Sad.

2:26

Just remember, we're now at a stage where all the remaining business either has to happen in quick succession -- high drama! -- or will happen against the wild backdrop of ongoing spring training/game action -- drama again!

2:27

Let's imagine the Sox/JDM situation percolating while the Boston media harangues the manager/front office as Hanley Ramirez limps out to a 1-for 26 start to ST, for instance.

Or the Cubs limping to a 5-14 opening stretch with pitching issues as Jake Arrieta stays fresh at the Boras facilities.

JDM

2:28

Is there any real chance I end up with the dbacks?

Jeffrey Todd

2:29

Well, the last time ownership got involved heavily on a FA the Greinke deal resulted, so...

Brent

2:29

Alex Anthopoulos recently hinted the Braves were still looking to add a power bat from FA, who are some realistic names the Braves could add?

Jeffrey Todd

2:29

There are just so, so many.

2:30

If they are willing to dump Markakis or hold down Acuna, plenty of bounceback or other veteran types. But if you're, say, Carlos Gonzalez the one thing you have to have is playing time, right?

2:31

(Unless he is content just being a platoon bat on a contender, in which case he'll probably still look elsewhere.)

Third base is obviously also still possible, but all indications remain they aren't going to spend big on Moustakas. Can't blame them.

Chris

2:31

Will the Braves make the 2018 playoffs as a WC team?

Jeffrey Todd

2:32

Likely not. But not unfathomable, I suppose.

Guest

2:32

Will the Yanks really break camp with two rookies in the infield?