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MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: March 21, 2018
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AvatarJason Martinez
5:12
Joc has 3 hits, including a 2B and HR, in his last 2 starts. Toles is 3 for his last 17. It's gonna go down to the wire.
Angels 1961
5:14
Jason, Ohtani will be opening season on major league roster. What do you think? Everyone are pulling for this kid to successful in Anaheim.
AvatarJason Martinez
5:17
The baseball move would be to let him figure things out in AAA. But baseball is also a business. The Angels were probably marketing him to their fans (prospective season-ticket holders) this offseason and it will look bad if he's not on the team on Opening Day.
D-backs
5:18
Are we the favorite to land Greg Holland?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:20
I'm sure they are considering it. Hirano hasn't looked great. But the Angels still might make the most sense. Blake Parker has looked terrible this spring.
CJ
5:20
Will McMahon start the season at 1st base for the Rox?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:22
He should. I'm not sure why they'd play Desmond there everyday. Even if Desmond wasn't having a terrible spring and didn't have a bad season in '17, he's more valuable in a super-utility role.
TRANE
5:22
When do you think Tropeano gets into the mix?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:23
I think he's probably there after how he pitched in his last start. Heaney has some time to get ready for the team's 6th game, but can't rush back from elbow discomfort.
JMart
5:26
In the Cactus League, does a pitcher pitching well lend a better sign of in-season performance than a hitter hitting well?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:27
Yes. At least that's my opinion. Pitchers are building up to using their full arsenal. They're trying to get a feel for multiple pitches in a hitter-friendly environment. Hitters have work to do, as well, but the numbers can be inflated because they're seeing a lot of bad pitchers/mistake pitches and not having to think too much.
Curious Georgie
5:28
Has Jack Flaherty earned a spot in the rotation?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:29
Probably hasn't done enough to make this rotation. Weaver was ahead of him on the depth chart and that probably hasn't changed. Mikolas has also been impressive in his last 2 starts.
Chris
5:30
Does Leone get the Cardinals closer role?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:31
Probably not right away. Looks like Gregerson is healthy and should get the first crack. Leone is next in line and I think he will get his chance at some point.
Hamilton Porter
5:32
Willson Contreras an All-Star this year?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:33
I wouldn't be surprised.
Hal
5:34
Who's the best player you're ever seen play in person?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:36
Probably saw Tony Gwynn a few hundred times over his 20-year career at Jack Murphy Stadium/Qualcomm Stadium. And once at Candlestick Park in 1998.
The Lone Ranger
5:37
Can Claudio hold the closer role?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:40
He'll be fine. But the question is can anyone step up and claim the job so the Rangers don't have to use Claudio in the 9th. He's more valuable pitching in the 7th-8th and occasionally getting a save chance.
5:41
Matt Bush and Keone Kela have a shot.
Hubert Cumberdale
5:41
With the Cobb signing do the Orioles potentially have an underrated rotation?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:44
Sure. They're more unpredictable than anything. Cobb was perfect for this group because you pretty much know what you're gonna get with him. They definitely have the potential to be much better than anyone is expecting. Need Tillman to bounce back, Cashner to be what he was last year and Bundy/Gausman to take a step forward. If not, it could be really ugly in 2018.
Walter
5:45
Urshela or Gonzalez make the team. Is Merritt also the odd man out?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:47
Urshela will start the season on the DL so they're both safe for now. Merritt should make the team despite getting crushed in his last outing. He's valuable. They don't have a lot of SP depth.
Bob A
5:48
Is this year Gregory Polanco finally has a breakout year?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:49
I've predicted a breakout for Polanco the past 2 seasons so I think I'm officially disqualified from predicting a breakout for him ever again.
Pedro4ever
5:51
Are the Red Sox going to cut ties with Brock Holt or send him down to AAA?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:52
He has an option remaining. He'll be needed at some point even if he starts the season in Triple-A.
Chase
5:53
Why hasn’t John Lackey signed a reunion contract with the Angels?
AvatarJason Martinez
5:56
At this point, he'd have to pitch in the Minors for at least a few weeks. He's probably thinking he's too old (39), too rich (made an estimated $140MM in his career) and has too many World Series rings (3) for that Triple-A life. He's probably done.
OK, gotta run. Back next Wednesday for the Opening Day Eve chat.
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