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Mark P
11:11
The Sunday chat is upon us, let's take some questions!
Jon
11:12
When would you expect the DH situation to be resolved by? I know your guess is as good as mine but Cruz, Ozuna et al. can't wait forever!
Mark P
11:13
At this point I wouldn't be shocked if it lasted well into Spring Training (assuming ST begins on time in February, which is no guarantee)
Chris
11:13
What's the hold up on jason castro? Wasn't his deal close like 4 days ago?
Mark P
11:14
The Astros and Castro were "in serious talks" but any number of holdups could have arisen --- either actual obstacles to a signing, or maybe everyone just wanted to take a few days over Christmas to think about it
Or, a deal has been worked out pending a post-Xmas physical.
Nick Leyva
11:15
Seems like Rockies are in no-win position with Arenado—trade value declining with opt-out looming or prospect of leaving with no return. What’s their best play moving forward?
Mark P
11:17
There's also the worst possible scenario, which is that Arenado's 2020 numbers were the start of a larger downturn and he won't opt out at all, leaving the Rox on the hook for $199MM for a declining player.  Optimism all around!

It's hard to predict what Colorado will do, especially in this offseason were pretty much no team is too eager to take on $199MM.
Jean from NYC
11:17
Will there be fans permitted at the games this year?
Mark P
11:18
At some point, probably.  But almost certainly not by April.  I'd think July or August at the absolute earliest
Mets
11:19
Are the Cubs really expecting top talent for Darvish which seems like a salary dump? Great 2020, but as all 2020 stats, should be taken with a grain of salt. He had been a disaster otherwise.
Mark P
11:20
"Disaster" is a bit of an overstatement, as Darvish had the rough 2018 and got off to a bad start in 2019, but something seemed to click about midway through 2019.  Since then, he has been very impressive.

Obviously teams will certainly take his 2020 numbers as reflective of just that limited sample size rather than a clear sign that Darvish is a surefire ace again, but he's much more than just a salary dump.  I would expect the Cubs will want some kind of significant return back
The Undertaker
11:21
Do Angels make playoffs this year?
Mark P
11:22
I really wanted to answer this with a Paul Bearer-style
"Ohhhhhh yesssssss!" but until they add some more pitching, my answer is ohhhhhhhh no.
Wil Myers
11:23
Should the Padres traded me now i have some value?
Mark P
11:24
I definitely think the Padres are still open to moving Myers and getting his contract off the books, despite his strong 2020 numbers.  If they're really trying to limit payroll, then among their big salaries, Machado obviously isn't being traded and Hosmer is a more difficult sell.
Yaz
11:25
With the Red sox allegedly liking Semien, could that be a hint that they want to upgrade D at SS? Perhaps Bogaerts goes to CF or is moved?
Mark P
11:26
I think there's a much better chance of a Bogaerts/3B, Devers/1B shuffle than Bogaerts somehow ending up as a regular center fielder.  

I also highly highly doubt Bogaerts would be dealt.  His extension is looking like something of a steal right now, and the Red Sox aren't planning any kind of a lengthy rebuild (or even a rebuild whatsoever)
WhiteSoxFan33
11:27
Why don't the White Sox seem interested in the posting system of the MLB international free agents when they are so active on the amateur side of international signings?
Mark P
11:28
I confess I don't know much about what the White Sox scouting operations over in Asia are like, but it could be that they simply are more comfortable with int'l players from the Dominican, Cuba, etc. if their operations down there are more established.
Barrelman
11:29
Who is your dark horse team to surprise everyone and swoop in to sign one of the top FAs to a huge deal, a la the D-Backs with Greinke a few years back?
Mark P
11:30
This is a rare winter where conceivably a lot of clubs could be a "mystery team" if their particular financial situation improves.  If a random owner, say, okays a regular amount of spending, a team could take advantage of a cool market and make a big bid
George
11:31
How many future HOF's are on the Dodgers current roster?
Mark P
11:33
Ooh, I like this game.  Kershaw is a lock.  Betts is looking like a great candidate but it's still a touch too early to call him a lock.  Even earlier for the likes of Seager or Bellinger.  Price will make the ballot and get votes but I doubt he'll make it into Cooperstown.
Angels 2021
11:34
Would Artie be ok with Joc Pederson signing after last years veto of trade?
Mark P
11:34
We still don't know exactly what happened with that vetoed trade, but there isn't any evidence that Moreno quashed it due to any sudden dislike of Pederson
Tom Brady
11:35
What can the Tompa Bay Rays feasibly do to make themselves win a World Series? I keep thinking they need an all-star entering his 40’s like Nelson Cruz.
Mark P
11:36
Cruz would help the Rays big-time, but I suspect he's well out of their price range, even on a one-year or two-year deal.
Failing that, there's a certain former 18th-round Expos draft pick who could have interest in becoming a two-sport star
Impatient
11:37
WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SEE SOME SIGNINGS, MARK!? Asking for a friend
Mark P
11:38
I mean, if you like KBO/CPBL/NPB signings, this has been a great winter for you!
Rob
11:39
Are the Twins just not going to do a single thing this off-season or what?
Mark P
11:40
Just for clarity's sake, the queue has a "when is Team X going to make a move??" question for just about every club in baseball.  The short answer is, it's a weird offseason for everyone, with teams either still unsure over what they have available to spend, or some teams trying to be tactical in waiting out free agents/other teams/etc.
Reds fan
11:41
If the Reds end up selling, would their rebuild be the most pathetic of all time?
Mark P
11:41
"At least your rebuild got you to the playoffs." --- Phillies fans
Jill
11:42
What free agents could Cleveland realistically add during the offseason?
Mark P
11:43
Lower-level players for either minor league deals or one-year MLB contracts that are relatively inexpensive.  Cesar Hernandez might not cost too much, I can see another deal happening there.
He Hate Me!
11:44
I understand 2020 was a financial mess, but why doesn't a team like the Braves or A's take advantage of the situation and step on the gas to win a WS? Teams that are on the verge with everyone else pulling back seems like a no brainier. The increased value of a championship would be a huge multiplier to the teams value.
Mark P
11:45
The A's didn't spend even pre-pandemic, so suddenly splurging now after a big revenue loss doesn't seem likely.

For a team like Atlanta, I wouldn't rule out another big move yet.  But also, if I'm the Braves, I'm thinking I'm in pretty good shape given how so many other NL teams seem to be holding back.
Jed
11:48
Contreras to Angles for Marsh who says no?
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