JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat: 9/16/19

MLBTR Live Chat: 9/16/19

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Gary

6:10

Is Kepler done as Phillies mgr

Connor Byrne

6:11

I could see that, but they're lacking pitching. As long as that's the case, does it really matter who's managing?

Oakland

6:11

Do you think the A’s are starting to look more like ws contenders?

Connor Byrne

6:12

They're very good, but good enough to get past both the Yankees and Astros? I'm skeptical.

Jake

6:12

Are the Yanks comfortable letting Didi go and sliding Torres to SS?

Connor Byrne

6:13

Not sure I'd say "comfortable," but if the Yankees feel he's out of their price range, they're in position to let him walk. Could put Torres at SS and LeMahieu at 2B, and still be in great shape at those spots.

Rob

6:13

Who get better first, Tigers or Orioles?

Connor Byrne

6:14

I'll say the Tigers because they're not stuck in a division with the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and a Blue Jays team that seems to be on the upswing.

Braves Chad

6:15

What is your prediction on what it would take the Braves to resign Donaldson?

Connor Byrne

6:15

Could be something like 3/70 on the high end. He's had a great year.

Stoney

6:15

In your opinion, is the wild card game the playoffs, or game 163?

Connor Byrne

6:15

I consider it the playoffs.

King Kelly

6:16

Your QO guess - which of Odorizzi, Ozuna, Wheeler, Gibson?

Connor Byrne

6:16

I'll say Odorizzi, Ozuna and Wheeler

King Kelly

6:16

If you were a rebuilding team like the Jays, do you start looking to fill holes this offseason (like SP) or do you wait until next offseason when they are (hopefully!) closer?

Connor Byrne

6:18

Depends on the prices of the players available. I don't think Toronto should skip out on pursuing talent just because they won't be ready to win quite yet in 2020. They're getting closer.

Dodgers

6:18

Do we win the WS this year after being runner ups in the last 2? If we do make it to the WS, who do you think we will play?

Connor Byrne

6:19

Yankees-Dodgers was my preseason pick. No reason to change it now. Give me NYY to win it all.

Rockin Ron

6:20

Do Brewers still have the horses to take the division?

Connor Byrne

6:20

I doubt it. I give them credit for even being in wild-card contention at this point.

6:21

Did you collect cards as a kid?

Connor Byrne

6:21

Yep. Do kids still do that?

Whosyourdaddy

6:21

Do you think the Padres will have a big off season or possible trade for someone big?

Connor Byrne

6:22

I think they'll pursue some big names, especially on the starting pitching end, whether by free agency, trades or both.

King Kelly

6:22

What do you think of the early extension for young players trend? Love it, hate it, or does it depend on the price?

Connor Byrne

6:23

Depends on price. I think guys like Acuna and Albies left a ton of money on the table.

Mudcat Grant

6:23

Will the Pirates trade Felipe Vazquez this offseason?

Connor Byrne

6:23

I believe they should, as I don't see them contending in the immediate future. Might as well cash in Vazquez when his value is sky high.

Charles Finley

6:24

Yankees have to re-sign Brett Gardner, right?

Connor Byrne

6:24

Not sure I'd say "have to," but it wouldn't surprise me. He remains an extremely useful player, and both sides have great respect for one another.

Whosyourdaddy

6:25

Chances of 2020 being Albert Pujols last season?

Connor Byrne

6:25

Pujols may as well ride out his massive contract, which runs through 2021.

King Kelly

6:25

Would Cole go to a rebuilding / non-contender if they offered to beat Price's record $217m?

Connor Byrne

6:26

I don't see why he wouldn't if that's the best offer. Machado went to the Padres for 300MM. Money talks.

King Kelly

6:26

How enamored are you of Statcast darlings (high barrels, exit velo, hard hit %) like Grichuk and Tellez? How strong a predictor of future success do you see it to be?

Connor Byrne

6:27

I'm not particularly enamored of either, and didn't understand the Grichuk extension from the Jays' POV. Grichuk has never been much of an on-base guy, which is a big red flag for me.

Mudcat Grant

6:27

After Grandal, which catcher will garner the most FA interest?

Connor Byrne

6:27

I wrote about the pending FA catchers a little while ago: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/08/free-agent-stock-watch-catchers...

6:28

Jason Castro and Travis d'Arnaud, to answer your question

Benny the spoon

6:28

Orioles, Tigers and Angels all have the albatross of a Huge contract for an unproductive player. Without Trout, are Angels rebuilding?

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