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MLBTR Live Chat with Steve Adams -- 11/29/16
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Steve Adams
3:06
News has happened. Let us discuss.
(Or talk about other things -- whatever floats your boat, man)
Chris Carter
3:06
Should I start looking for housing in Baltimore?
Steve Adams
3:07
Well he still needs to be released first -- it's not inconceivable that someone trades a nominal piece to get him -- much in the way the O's acquired Trumbo last winter. I don't think anyone values him all that highly, though, or the Brewers would've already moved him.

Orioles, Marlins, Rockies, Rangers ... some reasonable fits on a one-year deal with a $5MMish base and some incentives, I suppose.
Patty O'Furniture
3:08
Thoughts on the Alex Jackson trade?
Steve Adams
3:09
He's been terrible since he was signed and struck out at a 27% clip in his second trip through the Midwest League last year. I don't think the new Mariners' front office -- Jackson was drafted prior to Dipoto's hire and some other changes -- values him the way its predecessors did. They got some marginal help in return -- guys that could maybe make a difference this season and certainly in 2018.
Braves have tons of pitching depth and dealt from it to roll the dice on a high-ceiling prospect with a lower floor than most.
David Stearns
3:10
How much more value will Eric Thames bring to the table that Carter didn't?
Steve Adams
3:11
He has the potential to hit for a higher average and get on base more, albeit with less power. If the Brewers had kept Carter around, he may have repeated his performance, and his 2018 arb price would go upwards of $12MM, so they had to look at paying him about $20MM for two years or rolling the dice on Thames for three years and $16MM -- he's a cheaper asset with some upside and more athleticism/defensive value. Plus he's a lefty that helps balance out a right-leaning lineup.
⚾️ is life
3:11
Jay Bruce traded soon? And where?
Steve Adams
3:12
I think they'll trade him, yeah. Telling exactly when is guesswork, but there's no fit for him in NY now that Cespedes is back. If I had to guess, I'd say Blue Jays since they've shown interest before and have a corner OF need plus a desire to add LH bats.
Tim
3:12
Any chance white sox get Bregman? Maybe for Abreu straight up or part of a deal for Sale?
Steve Adams
3:12
There is zero chance the Astros would trade Bregman for Abreu straight up. I wouldn't trade him for Sale straight up, honestly, let alone as part of a package. And I love Chris Sale.
3:13
Six years of Bregman's bat, athleticism and defensive versatility comes with so much value, though. Can't see the Astros moving him
Landon
3:14
Chances Holliday returns to the Rox?
Steve Adams
3:15
So many Rockies fans want this, and I can't understand why outside of pure nostalgia. Holliday's walk rate plummeted in 2016, rendering him a somewhat above-average offensive performer but nowhere near his prior levels. And in 2015, his power was completely MIA. You've got a guy that turns 37 next month and has seen his offensive output drop in two straight seasons, and he has virtually no 1B experience. That's the preferred 1B solution? I don't see it.
3:16
Especially not with so many actually viable first base options available in free agency and in trades.
Chris
3:16
Best bullpen arm not named Chapman, Jansen or Melancon?
Steve Adams
3:18
Brett Cecil, but he already signed. Greg Holland if you want upside. Daniel Hudson if you want cheaper upside. I also buy into Blanton's bullpen resurgence and think there's good value in a one-year deal for Koji
I'd love Ziegler at one year but he almost certainly gets multiple years.
Paul
3:18
Do you think joey vote will be traded?
Steve Adams
3:18
Assuming that's Votto -- no, no, no, no and no.
Jeff
3:18
Hearing lots of Astros and Encarnacion today since they didn't get Cespedes. Can you see him actually going there?
Steve Adams
3:19
Definitely. Astros have money and have been maybe the most aggressive team of the offseason thus far. And first base has been a black hole for them for awhile. Sign EE, trade AJ Reed elsewhere as part of a package for more rotation help... Luhnow and his staff are gonna be busy.
C.J. Wilson
3:20
Am i racing or playing baseball this season?
Steve Adams
3:21
The whole world is looking for starting pitching. If he wants to pitch again, he can. I wonder if the Mariners (and other teams) will look at him as a creative 'pen option, in addition to the interest he'll draw as a starter. Dipoto loves CJ and wants a late-inning left-handed weapon. Bullpen work might increase his odds of remaining healthy. Etc.
Napoli
3:21
Where do I get to party next year?
Steve Adams
3:22
I think he'll stick in Cleveland on a two-year deal.
Andrew McCutchen
3:22
Seriously, why trade me now? The return wouldn't be all that great. At least wait until July when demand is high and supply is low... If my production is still lacking, then the return then should be similar to what it would be now. If it's good, and the team is struggling, then the Bucs'll get MORE. If I'm producing, and the team is going well, then keep me. Easy, right? Why bother trading me for a middling return this offseason???
Steve Adams
3:23
Generally, I agree with this. If a team isn't going to make an offer commensurate with a top-tier talent, then don't trade him. If he still stinks in '17, the return won't be that much worse than it would be right now. And if he's good, it'll be exponentially better. It's an awful time to trade McCutchen.
Doug Fister
3:23
You think I can squeeze a second year out of a desperate team?
Steve Adams
3:24
Blegh, I can see it, but I don't consider it likely. He's been bad for two straight years now and is running an 85-86mph fastball out there these days.
mark
3:24
Future cub closer ?
Steve Adams
3:26
I saw the reports that they might just go with Rondon, but I still think they'll either sign one of the big two or trade for someone that can deliver elite high-leverage performance. There's just not that many spots to upgrade the roster, but it's not like the Cubs are just going to sit back and be idle all winter either. Beefing up the 'pen is the most obvious means of improvement.
Gonzo1711
3:27
Any chance of the Mets packaging Bruce and 2 young arms for McCutchen?
Steve Adams
3:27
Putting Bruce in Pittsburgh doesn't make any sense and wouldn't be what they're aiming for in a theoretical McCutchen trade.
Josh Murphy
3:27
Marcus Stroman + Max Pentecost for Andrew McCutchen... Who hangs up?
Steve Adams
3:28
I wouldn't deal Stroman for McCutchen after the latter's 2016 performance.
Prich
3:28
Surprised to see Fangraphs give Anibal Sanchez a 1.7 WAR projection for next year... Is he worth trading for, assuming the Tigers are willing to eat some salary and aren't demanding an even pretty good prospect?
Steve Adams
3:30
Steamer projections, like all projection systems, factor in previous performance heavily, and Sanchez was elite in 2013 and very good in 2014, so he's still getting some residual love there.

If the Tigers pay $8MM of his 2017 salary and offer to pay the $5MM buyout if the 2018 option is ultimately declined, sure take a flier on him.
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