JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: December 19, 2018

MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: December 19, 2018

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Jason Martinez

5:19

I think they'll get a proven closer who would be fine setting up for Hicks if the team thought it was best. So maybe Ottavino, Robertson and Andrew Miller would be good additions.

White Sox

5:19

Does Kopechs injury push his first arbitration year back a year?

Jason Martinez

5:21

He'll get a full year of MLB service time while on the MLB 60-Day DL. He's on track for arbitration after the '21 season.

Gabe Kapler

5:22

Hey jason, are we signing a SP so we can finally move Vinny Velasquez to the pen where he belongs?

Jason Martinez

5:24

Not specifically for that reason, but I can see them adding another starter behind Nola and Arrieta. Velasquez would have to win a rotation spot. If not, he'd pitch in AAA or could be a good multi-inning option out of the 'pen.

Brodie Van Wagenen

5:24

I'm right that the Mets are the best team in the NL East, right? Right?

Jason Martinez

5:25

That's a really good team (on paper).

5:26

Different story on the field for 162 games. But I'd feel pretty good right now if I was a Mets fan. They're not done, either.

astros fan

5:26

is Alex wood available

Jason Martinez

5:27

I doubt they're actively trying to move him but pretty sure he'd be available. The Dodgers have held onto their starting pitching depth for years, even if that means moving a SP (Wood or Maeda) to the bullpen temporarily.

Styxcanada

5:28

If the Jays manage to move Smoak (maybe the Rockkies) or Pillar (maybe the Giants) what could they reasonably expect in return?

Jason Martinez

5:29

I wouldn't expect much for Smoak. If they move him, it will be more about opening a roster spot so the youngsters can play in '19 and saving a few $$$. They could probably get back a pretty good prospect for Pillar. Not a Top 5.

Josh Donaldson

5:30

I saw Fangraphs only projected 82 wins for the Braves, doesn't that feel extremely low?

Jason Martinez

5:32

Maybe a bit low, but I'm not sure how they come up with their projections. They have a massive hole in LF and I don't trust their bullpen enough. So I wouldn't go higher than 87 wins. Could easily be 90+ wins depending on who they fill those spots and if they add a frontline SP.

Alex Anthopoulos

5:32

Yes I spelled our GM’s name correctly from memory...that being said - Kyle Tucker in LF?

Jason Martinez

5:35

Astros could use Tucker to add an impact player to their MLB roster. I don't really see a fit with the Braves unless they do the rare top prospect-for-top prospect trade. Anthopoulos might do it since he didn't draft/sign most of his guys. Can't say the same about Luhnow.

My point is that Luhnow drafted/signed the prospects in his farm system. He's not trading one for another team's prospect. He would deal one to improve his MLB team.

astros fan

5:37

the marlins currently have no top 100 prospects can we build a package like Alvarez (48), Perez, martes, nova, fisher and bukauskus get us realmuto and Conley

Jason Martinez

5:38

Nope. I think it's pretty clear that it will take an elite prospect (Tucker or Whitley) to get Realmuto. Not sure quantity over quality will work with that particular player.

Who me?

5:39

What other call ups will White Sox have this year besides Jimenez/cease? Bullpen help maybe?

Jason Martinez

5:40

Maybe Luis Alexander Basabe. Probably Seby Zavala, Kodi Medeiros, Dane Dunning and Zack Burdi.

5:41

The 3 prospects who probably won't debut until '20 but have a chance to force themselves onto the roster earlier are Nick Madrigal, Luis Robert and Micker Adolfo.

Lets Go Tribe

5:42

Why is nelson Cruz not in Houston already?

Jason Martinez

5:43

Mostly because of Tyler White, who had an .888 OPS, 12 HR and 12 2B in 237 PAs last season.

5:44

I think they'd be willing to let White be the regular 1B and have Gurriel move into Marwin's super-utility role. This would open up a spot. But still not sure about a DH-only on that team.

Brodie Van Wagenen

5:45

Should I add Pollock? Or stick with Lagares?

Jason Martinez

5:47

Yes, they should because he would make their team better and he's a perfect fit right now. They can worry about having 4 OFs (including Cespedes) later.

5:50

It's not my $$$, though. I'd rather not have to start Lagares and I'd rather not have an OF of Cespedes-Nimmo-Conforto. Maybe they can sign Pollock and trade Nimmo or Conforto and add a cheaper stop-gap in LF (Denard Span?) until Cespedes returns.

Brayden

5:51

Do you think the White Sox can contend for the Central this year? Seems like the Indians are leaving the division wide open

Jason Martinez

5:52

Long ways to go. Let's see how far the Indians fall back to the pack. If they hold onto Kluber/Bauer, they'll be tough to hang with for very long. If they trade one of those guys and fail to upgrade much more (2 holes in the lineup and they also need to add 2 relievers), it's possible that the Twins or White Sox can push contend.

5:53

Of course, that's assuming the Twins and White Sox make some big moves to get a lot better.

Every other team

5:54

Can Vlad jr be had?

Jason Martinez

5:55

No! About as close to untouchable as any player in baseball. He's going to be a star and Blue Jays fans are going to love him (they already do).

Dayton Moore

5:56

Why did I sign Terrance Gore to a MLB contract?

Jason Martinez

5:58

From what I read, I believe the theory was that Moore wanted his team to be elite in at least one area. It's not going to be hitting or pitching, but it can be on the base paths and defense. If you've been here before, you know I'm a fan of speed. No 1987 Cardinals references today, though.

Baseball Guy

5:58

You think the Orioles will sign any free agents? All the have hired are coaches!

Jason Martinez

6:00

Oh yeah. They'll probably wait for the price to drop on some good bounce-back candidates. I think they'll end up with some players who are 1-2 years removed from big seasons. Think of guys like Dozier, CarGo, Avisail, Shelby Miller.

Jason Martinez Fan

6:01

Any chance our Padres try to reunite Moose and Hos, then try to move Myers?

Jason Martinez

6:02

Yes, but the reunion is better if Myers is there. Not sure if Myers even played with those guys in the Minors, but I'm sure their paths crossed.

White Sox Fan

6:03

No Zack Collins in the White Sox soon future?

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