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Jeffrey Todd
4:02
Ha, fair questions. I mean ... it sounds as if they have locked on a given player -- OF? RP? -- and both sides think there's a real possibility the deal gets done.
4:03
Why did he say this? I don't know, but it was at an event for Braves superfans, so I suppose he was letting them "in" on something while also placating those who might feel like it has been a while since the club did anything and who worry they are not going to invest as much as had been hoped.
Brian
4:04
It seems like the Braves and Giants match up well on a trade. How about Will Smith for Allard?
Jeffrey Todd
4:04
Smith is a sensible target, esp if the Braves use Minter as the closer, but Allard feels steep for one year of WS.
(Will Smith, but I guess if you presume that to mean "World Series," it isn't steep.)
Kyle
4:05
Your take on Heyman's comments on Trout?  Sounds like a bid for clicks, Angels' Front Office is lock tight on FA rumors.
Jeffrey Todd
4:07
Heyman tweeted that there were "whispers" a Trout extension is unlikely this offseason. Assume that's  what you're asking about. I mean ... I would not assume that came from the team,  unless they have already gotten a cold reception about holding real talks this winter. I don't find it to be a surprising report at all. Really not sure why Trout would be particularly interested in a new deal this winter, with two more seasons to go and plenty of money already in his pocket.
Travis
4:07
Your $200 lawn mower works great, it cuts grass, the neighbors are jealous, you are always in the running for best lawn in the neighborhood.   A $300 lawn mower becomes available, it cuts grass, the neighbors are jealous, it marginally (at best) increases your chances for best lawn in the neighborhood.  Nobody buys that lawnmower.      Point is, Harper or Machado do not make already great teams that much better, so why are folks surprised they are not in the market?
Jeffrey Todd
4:09
I mean ... I don't buy your analogy. Supposing that teams project Manny/Bryce as at least 4-WAR guys (which I think is reasonable, but isn't perhaps necessarily the case) who greater ceilings, it's hard to imagine how they wouldn't substantially improve the team. If you're the Yankees and you need to overtake the Red Sox, etc, there's huge value in adding expected wins to your ledger.
Baseball Guy
4:11
AJ Pollock waiting on Harper? Or is there legit limited interest? Every time I watch that dude he's either killing the ball or making a great play in CF.
Jeffrey Todd
4:11
To an extent he is probably waiting on Harper, yeah. Suppose the Phillies don't get Harper. That makes them a much likelier player on Pollock. He'd be wise to keep that door open.
Irate Nate
4:13
First team to use WAR as a contract bonus will be....
Jeffrey Todd
4:13
breaking MLB rules that limit performance bonuses to the kinds of things you are used to hearing about (innings pitched, plate appearances, etc)
Goldy
4:14
What does it cost to sign Goldy before he hits free agency? Odds he signs extension before season?  During season?
Jeffrey Todd
4:14
I assume both sides will want to see how their year together goes before committing.
Phutatorius
4:15
Can the Indians really hope to contend for the World Series with an OF comprised of Luplow, LMartin, GAllen, and Bauers?  And do the rumored possible additions (Adam Jones, really?) meaningfully improve upon that base?  If they stand pat, that's just another year off the Lindor Window.
Jeffrey Todd
4:15
It does sort of make you cringe (no offense to those guys individually). I still think they will make additions.
Lowly O's Fan
4:16
Now who is Farhan? You know, other MLBTR writers have starting doing this...
Jeffrey Todd
4:16
I thought I added his last name in my response and that the question included the team?
Jake
4:17
I think the cards would be wise to keep JMart. Isn’t a well above average hitter, who also excels at pinch hitting, but is defensively limited about as good as you’re gonna get for a reserve type player?
Jeffrey Todd
4:18
He'd make sense if they played in the AL. Otherwise, pretty limited piece when you have Goldy playing every day at first.
Dipoto
4:19
What would you say is the worst trade in the recent era (Analytics, Qualifying Offer system time frame)?
Jeffrey Todd
4:20
I've answered this before, but it bears reiterating ... James Shields for Fernando Tatis Jr. It was very questionable at the time it was done, when Tatis was known publicly only b/c of his dad. It very quickly became a cringeworthy deal, as Tatis looked good and Shields rather predictably continued his decline. Now that Tatis is one of the best prospects in baseball ... oof
Chester Arthur
4:21
Why so much hate over the owners?  They’re responsible for roster payroll, continuous investment into the franchise as well as payment to hundreds of additional employees.  Isn’t a strike beyond a first world problem?
Jeffrey Todd
4:23
I don't necessarily have hate for the owners. But the changes in the market are undeniable. And drops in FA spending are hugely problematic for the players since the structure assumes there'll be intense competition. I think to some extent this reflects the market's adaptation to changing aging curves and the influx of more good talent. But the players need to consider whether they should seek major changes to the entire compensation structure. Boosting the amount available to young MLB players (and also minor leaguers and incoming amateur players) may not be popular among the grizzled veterans, but it'd be a way to lock in a bigger slice of the pie and put those players in a position of greater leverage when they they become established big leaguers.
4:24
Couple more and I have to run ...
Moonlight Graham
4:25
Why do Braves fans feel the need to sign a closer?  They have Arodys Vizcaino and AJ Minter already.
Jeffrey Todd
4:25
I don't think they necessarily need a Closer, but it's understandable to believe they ought to improve the overall bullpen quality.
Dinn Mann
4:26
Are Astros considering trying to extend Cole and Verlander ahead of next year's free agency
Jeffrey Todd
4:26
Neither seems particularly likely to me.
Greg Brown
4:28
Any prediction for a breakout team or unexpected contender for 2019?
Jeffrey Todd
4:28
Wild darkhorse pick ... Pirates to take the NL Central!
4:29
(I'm not predicting this. But if pressed, I'll take them as my wild card.)
Stan
4:30
I would like a MLBTR hoodie!
Jeffrey Todd
4:30
Also a good choice.
Clark Cubbie
4:31
WHY NO CUBS QUESTIONS??? CUBS WIN!! CUBS WIN!!
Jeffrey Todd
4:32
Because Ricketts basically just reiterated today that they aren't going to spend more, etc. So, not much to update. I feel like they have just kinda botched this from a PR perspective. The decision isn't necessarily indefensible in its entirety, but the way they want about presenting it has not put a good face on things.
Rick
4:33
Shelby Miller deal not worse than Shields/Tatis?
Jeffrey Todd
4:34
I remember that one, too, obviously. At least Miller was a young pitcher coming off of a really good season. Plus it's too easy to pick on the La Russa/Stewart regime.
Mr. Hahn
4:34
Ignoring the $30 million San Diego paid for Tatis Jr. in the Shields trade is dishonest.  The $30 million was immediately used to sign Luis Robert.  Otherwise the trade is simply James Shields for Eric Johnson, which worked in San Diego's favor as salary relief but certainly isn't the worst trade as you framed it.
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