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MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: January 17, 2018
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Abby
5:25
When will Forrest Whitley get called up? Are there too many people blocking him?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:27
Talented enough to make a case by mid-season. But if he's needed in the Astros rotation in '18, a lot has probably gone wrong for them. Early 2019 is more likely.
Huntingon
5:27
Why would I turn down Clint Frazier for Musgrove?  I said it was a better package, but I know no one believes that.
AvatarJason Martinez
5:30
It was a bit of a head-scratcher, although I can buy that the 4 guys they got are better than Frazier and whoever else the Yankees offered. They must really like Colin Moran, however, and believe that his breakout '17 wasn't a fluke. If he can be an above-average 3B for the next 6 years, they won't regret the deal.
A guy, too
5:32
Winker needs the PA to get that ROY. Who can take Duvall?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:33
He'll get a chance to play regularly vs RHP. I have Duvall penciled in as a platoon with either Winker/Schebler. He had a .737 OPS vs RHP and .924 OPS vs LHP. Also had a really poor 2nd half. Not a lot of trade value right now and the still a good fit in Cincy, even if he's only getting 300-400 PAs.
Jim
5:35
Who is your bounce-back candidate for 2018?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:37
Coincidentally, I compiled a bounce-back list for my draft kit earlier today. Over 60 players included. Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Adam Eaton, Stephen Piscotty, Noah Syndergaard, Stephen Matz are all near the top of the list.
Royalsfan
5:37
Are any teams interested in Alcides Escobar?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:39
Haven't heard anything. Unless the Marlins really like J.T. Riddle and want to give him a look, that could be the only potential starting job out there for him. I can see SD and Cincy giving him an MLB deal as a bench player.
N/A
5:41
Who gets the ball for CWS on opening day?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:42
Gotta give the ball to the veteran James Shields, although Rodon would've been in the conversation if healthy. Can't give the honor to an unproven kid (Giolito), even if he might be their best starter by season's end.
Giantsfan
5:43
Jason give me your honest opinion on McCutchen to SF, think it will help them in the year they have them, with Pence in LF, McCuchen in RF?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:45
What's not to like about it. He brings so much to the table, even if he wasn't coming off of another terrific season (.849 OPS, 28 HR). He's only 31. Great leader and teammate. Fan base is excited. They didn't give up a lot to get him and they can give him a qualifying offer after the season.
James
5:45
Who’s scouting reports do you value the most when looking at trades involving prospects?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:48
I try to find as much info, reports, opinions as possible. A lot of smart people on the internets. Also many smart people working in front offices these days so I just assume that they know what they're doing when they make a trade.
Astros GM
5:51
Give me your opinion on my Astros?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:51
They're in great shape. I'd call them the World Series favorite in 2018. More elite talent is on the way. Farm system is deep. They have some $ to spend and plenty of trade chips. I'd like them more if they added a reliable lefty reliever. Probably not getting Brad Hand, but maybe they can sign Tony Watson.
Manny Machado
5:53
The O’s have to know that whatever they can get for me now is better than a comp pick. They pretty much have to move me, right?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:54
They have to be open to moving you and I'm sure they are. But "whatever they can get for me now" is never a good approach. They'll wait until the trade deadline, if necessary.
Anthony D
5:54
Who leads off for the Cubs?  Is Dyson a possibility to platoon with Almora?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:56
No great fit there as long as they're planning on getting Almora in the lineup more often. I really don't like Bryant, Rizzo or Schwarber there. Zobrist and Happ could see time there when they're in the lineup. Maybe Heyward if he can ever get it going again at the plate.
Yannick
5:58
Jays need an OF but can't secure one of the free agents. Who's out there of the trade market they could realistically snag?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:00
There are more decent free agents than roster spots right now. So another free agent is likely. But if they did look to the trade market, I would think Randal Grichuk would be a target. Maybe Corey Dickerson or Domingo Santana. Not sure if the Phillies are interested in trading Altherr, Nick Williams or Odubel, but one of them could also be an option.
Dal
6:00
Should the Orioles make an addition to the pen now that we’re down Britton until at least midseason?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:02
Bullpen is the least of their worries, although I'm sure they can add another veteran without spending too much. Maybe someone like Tyler Clippard, Matt Belisle or Sergio Romo.
James
6:03
Angels a dark horse for Darvish and Yelich?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:05
I don't think they have enough trade chips for Yelich. Even if they did, it would deplete their farm system. If they signed Yu to pair with Ohtani, that would be fun. Not sure they're willing to spend that much $, but they need to do something. I wouldn't feel too good about that rotation.
@MLBTRCommenter
6:06
Does LoMo have a starting gig anywhere in 18?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:07
I would think so. My $ has been on KC. Probably waiting on Hosmer to make his decision.
Farhandrew Zaidman
6:08
Who is our opening day LF? Joc was good in the playoffs but terrible last year.
AvatarJason Martinez
6:08
Joc is the favorite, but I think Verdugo and Toles will get a chance to beat him out in Spring Training.
Brad
6:10
Hi, Jason! Any thoughts on Matt Strahm? Think he cracks SD's rotation? Or solidifies their bullpen?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:11
I think he'll get a look in the rotation at some point in '18, but I see him as their primary lefty setup man in '19 and beyond.  Dominant in 22 IP out of the bullpen in '16.
James
6:12
Any guess about closer for Angels?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:14
Scioscia gave pretty much everyone in their bullpen a shot before finally rewarding Blake Parker with the closer's job late in the season. Considering that he earned it (2.54 ERA, 2.1 BB/9, 11.5 K/9), he should be a heavy favorite heading into Spring Training with Cam Bedrosian also in the mix.
Astros fan
6:15
Do Fisher and Marisnick platoon in left or do the Astros bring in someone like Carlos Gonzalez on a one year deal?
AvatarJason Martinez
6:16
I think they're set. Will be difficult to get Marwin 500+ PAs if they bring in another OF. He made 38 starts in LF last season.
Astros fan
6:17
Is McHugh trade bait after acquiring Cole or does he really go to the bullpen with Peacock.
AvatarJason Martinez
6:18
I don't think they're trying to trade him, because depth is important. But I think they're open to trading him and I have a feeling that he'll be traded by the start of the season.
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