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Jeffrey Todd
9:32
So ... I forgot to launch the chat earlier today. Sorry!
We'll do it now instead. What do you want to talk about?
Pauly Walnuts
9:34
Sandy Alcantra for real? What about Michael Pineda?
Jeffrey Todd
9:35
So ... Steve and I ere discussing this the other day, whilst being bombarded with takes on this team or that player a whole 5 games into the season ...
9:36
I propose a Hazelbaker Line. He was optioned in mid-June of '16. You must at least allow that much time for the surprisingly high-flying rockets to come crashing back down to earth.
9:37
That said, there is always something to be learned by watching guys to see what kind of stuff they have and how they are deploying it, esp when they are known to be talented. It's perfectly fine to be encouraged by those two pitchers' first two outings.
Andrew
9:38
What are the chances joe maddon gets fired?
Jeffrey Todd
9:39
I mean that'd be pretty danged cold even if the Cubs truly fall apart. Hard to argue with the results since he walked in the door. But all bets are off if a high-cost team is a massive bust. Far too soon to say that but there's some potential here.
Scherzers_Blue_Eye
9:39
Trevor Rosenthal vs Chris Davis. Who ya got?
Jeffrey Todd
9:39
Honestly I just feel bad for both guys ... they are well compensated and all that, but they're still people and are struggling mightily in a very visible profession.
Hester
9:40
Panic time for Eovaldi and/or Rodriguez?
Zachary
9:40
I know, I know. It’s early. They haven’t even been home yet. That said, the Cubs look absolutely awful. When is to early to panic?
Yankees
9:40
Should we be pressing the panic button yet?
Jeffrey Todd
9:41
Those literally came in one after the other!
I'm not going to tell you not to panic. It's your team. Really poor starts do hurt the outlook.
At the same time, the Mets had two amazing weeks last year and ...
Cashman
9:42
Is it time for me to get Gattis?
Jeffrey Todd
9:42
With Voit and Bird the only un-hurt members of the roster? Nah
Baseball fanatic
9:44
Are the mariners legit ?
Jeffrey Todd
9:44
See above re Mets. I haven't seen anything that makes me think there's a significant change in outlook.
Natty Professor
9:45
Any good free agents who might be a good fit for the Nat’s pen?
Jeffrey Todd
9:46
Old friend Ryan Madson stands out in the non-Kimbrel group of unsigned guys. Obviously he and a few others (Jim Johnson, Santiago Casilla) may just be waltzing off into the sunset but haven't announced it. Not sure.
Jaxon
9:46
What is up with this Cubs bullpen?
Jeffrey Todd
9:47
I mean ... these were the risks that were foreseen entering the year. Same with the Nats. It's not all that surprising that some of these pitchers are failing to find the strike zone.
Last year's BB% "leaders" include a pair of Cubs pitchers  (plus the departed Justin Wilson) https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=4...
Luke
9:48
What has been the worst signing for the Rockies.  Desmond contract or 80+ million for 3 relievers?
Jeffrey Todd
9:49
I'd have to say the Desmond deal, just b/c it never made sense. They wanted him specifically and tried to shoe-horn him onto their roster. At least the relievers were a legit need and they spread the risk ... it's just that they pretty much all have fallen flat.
Donaldson Ducks
9:49
Can you explain why the Dbacks think rostering 3 catchers is in their best interest?  There's got to be a better bench option than John Ryan Murphy.
Jeffrey Todd
9:51
I can certainly understand doing it from time to time, or if you have a particular group of catchers where it makes sense. (Maybe one of your guys is a bat-first player, like a Gattis, and/or one is a multi-position dude such as Kiner-Falefa or Wolters.) But they seem to be doing it almost as a matter of course, which is ... at least interesting. I haven't seen Hazen (GM Mike) explain it anywhere.
Guess that's the answer ... "it's a very demanding position". mmkay
Angel fanatic
9:52
Jeff how long do halos go with Cozart and Bour? 1 month more
Jeffrey Todd
9:52
And replace them with ... ???
9:53
I mean Bour is a guy you could always consider moving on from if you have a need for a roster spot, but if you want a good lefty bat on the roster, you aren't likely to do better. He's a good bet to turn it around -- young enough and good track record. Cozart they owe way too much to and he has too much track record (esp on defense) to give up on a month into the season, let alone now.
Neo
9:53
How common is it for a minor leaguer to be asked to be released? Ie Mesoraco
Jeffrey Todd
9:54
I think it's rather common in situations where there was a sort of understanding going in. The Mesoraco camp seems to believe that was the case here; the Mets either disagree with that or don't care.
9:55
Obviously teams don't want to be held up if they just struck a deal with no promises. But they also have an interest in being friendly to players, esp respected veterans, b/c it helps them recruit those guys in the future.
Just Jim
9:56
How long before the Mets give Dominic Smith regular playing time in the OF. Small sample size, but nobody is stepping up except Conforto.
Jeffrey Todd
9:56
Have you seen him play the OF?
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