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Mark P
11:11
Due to a scheduling change, the weekend chat is coming a day earlier.  Let's dive into some questions!
Jacques
11:12
Is some team really going to let Bauer pitch every fourth day?
Mark P
11:13
It would be surprising, yet keep in mind, Bauer has said he would want "a chance" to pitch every fourth day.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/trevor-bauer-on-free-agency.htm...

That doesn't necessarily mean he is going to stick with that desire forever.  If Bauer pitches on shorter rest and struggles, he might want to switch back to a normal rotation turn.
11:15
If you're a team that might lag behind others in terms of dollars to offer Bauer, giving him the opportunity for that every fourth-day turn might be an interesting way to stand out in what should be a crowded market for his services
Mike
11:16
How likely is it that Cohen prys Theo from the Cubs? He's owed 10 million, has ties to Baird and Banner, and is in year 9 with the Cubs.
Mark P
11:18
I'm on record as saying that I doubt Epstein will remain in Chicago beyond the end of his current contract (which is up after the 2021 season).

As to whether he'd consider going to the Mets, it's hard to say.  I'd imagine any number of teams would have interest in bringing Theo aboard, plus there's also the matter of arranging a deal with the Cubs given the remaining year of his contract.
Josh
11:18
What is the most surprising team this year?
Mark P
11:19
"Surprise" is kind of relative given that 2020 has been such a weird season.  But I'm pretty stunned that the Diamondbacks fell as flat as they did.
11:20
The Nationals struggling also counts as surprising.  On the positive side, the Marlins contending for a playoff berth was unexpected.
Draft
11:21
The teams at the top of the 2020 draft were shortchanged. Manfred has the sole discretion as to the 2021 draft. I feel the order should be a combination of records from 2019 and 2020 that determines the 2021 order. What do you think?
Mark P
11:21
That seems like a pretty reasonable solution to me.
Twins
11:22
Don't tell me we'll have to play the Yankees AGAIN in the playoffs
Mark P
11:22
Even with a new playoff format, the poor Twins just can't seem to escape the monster at the end of the book.
Chaim Bloom
11:23
What steps should I take to rebuild the Red Sox?
Mark P
11:24
Pitching, pitching, and more pitching.  The offense seems to be in pretty good shape, though they need JDM to get back to form and figure out at least one outfield spot depending on what happens with free agent Bradley and the struggling Benintendi
Steve
11:24
Will the Yankees resign LeMahieu before he hits free agency?
Mark P
11:25
Unless the Yankees made a really big offer, it seems very likely that LeMahieu will test the open market since he's so close.  That doesn't mean he wouldn't ultimately re-sign in New York anyway, of course.
Chris
11:26
Does a Tatis extension this offseason look like the Acuña 8/100 or is he going to need significantly more?
Mark P
11:26
Significantly more
Gray Skies Ahead
11:27
MLBTR’s write up on Jon Gray was interesting. Do you think with the current economic landscape he gets non-tendered?
Mark P
11:27
That aforementioned writeup, by MLBTR's Steve Adams: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/09/rockies-shut-down-jon-gray-shou...
11:29
A non-tender is indeed possible, but I would lean towards Colorado retaining Gray.  He won't earn much of a raise on his $5.6MM 2020 salary, the Rox have a good chunk of money coming off the books this year, and the Rockies could bet that Gray will be better in a more normal season and with better health.
Guest
11:30
What should the Orioles do this offseason?
Mark P
11:31
I doubt they're going to accelerate their rebuild in any major way.  So that means a couple of low-cost veteran signings (particularly on the pitching side), checking if any younger talent is available in trades, etc.
Kwang Hyun is fun
11:32
Mr Kim is having an under the radar impressive rookie campaign. We notice you buddy and kudos to you!
Mark P
11:33
His IL stint and the Cardinals' average play have meant that Kim's numbers have kind of been overlooked.  An 0.63 ERA over 28 2/3 innings is pretty impressive.  Not many strikeouts, but Statcast loves his overall stuff.
Giants fan
11:34
Do you see the Giants continuing the rebuilding efforts with many large contracts coming off the books after next season, ie Belt, Crawford, Posey...or do you see them going after top tier players in the coming seasons?
Mark P
11:36
Ownership was willing to sign Bryce Harper, so the option of making a big free agent splash is open to Farhan Zaidi if he so desires.  Given these financial resources, I don't see why Zaidi wouldn't make a pricey acquisition if the right opportunity arises.

Given his talent for finding hidden gems, however, maybe Zaidi just needs to keep finding guys on the waiver wire who suddenly become .950 OPS hitters
I’m a Belieber
11:37
Shane Bieber a lock for AL Cy?
Mark P
11:38
I would imagine so, and likely in a unanimous vote
David
11:38
Will baseball go to 7 inning games to speed up the games?
Mark P
11:39
I would hate this.  A seven-inning game as part of a doubleheader is acceptable this season given the circumstances, but baseball games have nine innings.  Period.
High Expectations
11:41
What can be blamed for Gerrit Cole’s  overall performance for the Yankees so far?
Mark P
11:42
Big spike in homers allowed, which isn't a shock moving to Yankee Stadium.  

But overall, Cole is still pitching very effectively, if not at his all-world level from 2019
No longer 2016
11:43
Any possibility that the Cubs cut Bryant loose at the end of the year? They really seem to be pinching pennies and his fourth year of arbitration isn’t going to be cheap.
Mark P
11:44
While everyone expects a lot of non-tenders this offseason, I doubt Bryant will be one of them.  The Cubs aren't going to let a guy with that ceiling go for nothing.
Guest
11:45
The Yankees are gonna put the QO on LeMahieu right?
Mark P
11:45
I'd think so
Blue Jays
11:45
Why not sign Bauer and let him pitch every 4th day? Rejig the rotation to have Ryu and Pearson go every 5th day and then let Bulk inning guys have the rest of the days. Am I crazy?
Mark P
11:47
That puts an awful lot of pressure on the relief corps, a lot of pressure in a youngster like Pearson to immediately be great, and just one injury could throw that whole plan off-kilter.

Not saying that Bauer isn't a fit with the Jays, but that kind of elaborate plan doesn't seem feasible.  Toronto would still need a full five-starter rotation.
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