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Anthony Franco

2:31

On Acuña specifically, the Braves would do that deal 100 times out of 100, even knowing what they know now. He's incredible, and I think he's got a really long career ahead of him still

2:33

More generally, I still don't think so. The upside of getting a healthy Acuña or Albies is so great, it's worth taking the shot even if sometimes your top prospect becomes Scott Kingery

Flags Fly Forever

2:33

Justin Verlander's contract with Houston expires at the end of the season, and he will be coming back from TJS in the Spring. Given the present pitching needs in MLB (and his obvious talents), do you think that he re-signs with the Astros, joins ex-teammate Gerrit Cole in New York, goes back to the Tigers to lead that rotation (and make Detroit a contender), or go elsewhere?

Anthony Franco

2:34

It's impossible to pick a specific destination since everyone could use a healthy Verlander, but a return to Detroit would be really cool to see so I'm hoping that happens.

Mike TimLincecum

2:34

Do you have a favorite ballpark? Or one you would like to visit?

Anthony Franco

2:34

Of the ones I've visited, it's PNC. But I've never been to any on the West Coast and I've heard unanimous praise for Oracle

2:35

I'm hoping to get to all of them, but Oracle's the one I'd be most excited for

Hits Like Rays

2:35

Now that Tyler Glasnow and Rich Hill are gone, what are the chances that the Rays promote Shane Baz to take a rotation spot?

Anthony Franco

2:36

I'd be surprised if we don't at least see him in a relief/bulk role this year

Maybe even during the postseason like they did with McClanahan last year

Philly A's

2:37

A's went all in with their trades and budget constraints, did they do enough to catch Houston? Or are they fighting the pack for a WC?

Anthony Franco

2:38

I'd be surprised if they catch Houston, who I think is the best team in the AL. But I picked the A's as a Wild Card team preseason and still feel pretty good about that

mmddyyyy

2:39

Are there ever players that have trouble sliding down the defensive positioning scale? It sometimes seems like it's taken for granted that a center fielder can play left if traded, for instance.

Anthony Franco

2:39

Can't think of one specifically off the top of my head

2:40

I feel like center field to a corner outfield spot is pretty simple, but moving from the corner outfield to first base is technically down the defensive spectrum and it's possible some guys might not have the feet or hands for the infield in any capacity

Jeremy

2:41

Scherzer Kershaw Verlander Gausman all FAs, plus all the SS and more....Is this the best FA class is a long time?

Anthony Franco

2:42

I think the Harper/Manny sweepstakes were better at the top but this one might have more depth at like 5-15

Probably a better question for Steve though. He's been doing this a lot longer than I have and should have a better feel for how every class shapes up against each other

Peter

2:43

I have to wonder whether SD seriously depleted their prospect capital in acquiring Clevinger, Snell and Musgrove that they felt unable to outbid LA. I do not question those trades. They were excellent moves and should have provided a better return than they so far have.

Anthony Franco

2:44

The farm system's definitely thinner than it has been, but they're still got the top headliners and could've included guys like Weathers and Morejón

2:45

I hope we'll get a full report on the Scherzer thing someday -- whether the "framework" being done was exaggerated, if he didn't want to waive his 10-and-5 to go to SD, etc.

Dahn

2:45

Can you talk about the Giant's impending roster crunch? They'll have Belt, Longoria, and La Stella coming back within 10 days. The only guy who has struggled lately has been Duggar, which is a shame because he looked to be turning a corner and also is a true center fielder. Estrada (backup shortstop and much better option than La Stella there), Wade Jr., Ruf and Flores are integral to the team's success, while Slater and Dickerson offer platoon value. Solano seems like the easiest odd man out in terms of performance this year but he was a Silver Slugger last year. Do they consider sending Estrada down and recalling Dubon, who is capabale of handling short and the outfield? Do they go with a 12 man staff? Jay Jackson has been hit very hard and the return of Aaron Sanchez, assuming he is healthy and effective (big assumption), adds a lot of depth. The fact that Watson is trending up and faced righties and lefties last year is also noteworthy.

Anthony Franco

2:46

I'm sure they'll be pretty flexible with the back of the bench/bullpen. As for the lineup, I think Dugger gets bumped. His strikeout rate was concerning even while he was really hot early

Paul

2:47

With all the COVID IL listings, do you think MLB and the MLBPA agree to expand rosters again come the next CBA?

Anthony Franco

2:47

Doubt there's any relationship there. I'm sure they're hoping COVID's not a huge issue -- if not by 2022, then at least by the back half of a CBA

AL East

2:48

I thought I knew who would win me over but after the deadline I'm not so sure. Who do you think will be fighting for me in the end?

Anthony Franco

2:48

I lean Rays

Adam

2:48

How much does Pineda get on the open market?

Anthony Franco

2:49

He got 2/$20MM last time. He's basically been the same guy since then. Account for aging and a bit of a dip in swinging strike rate this year, and I'd probably have him in the 2/$16MM range

Mike TimLincecum

2:50

Are the players traded after July trade deadline eligible for postseason?

Anthony Franco

2:50

Yes, as long as they're in the new organization by August 31

Astro fan

2:51

Any update on Jeremy Pena? Has he resumed baseball activities? When might we see him play?

Anthony Franco

2:51

Don't believe there's been any update since his surgery in April, which called for for a five-month recovery timeline

2:52

If he plays this year, I think he'll be at Double-A and probably get assigned to the Arizona Fall League for extra reps if healthy

tigers fan

2:52

How much do you think the tigers will spend in the offseason?

Anthony Franco

2:53

I kind of believe Ilitch when he says they'll spend. Expect they'll be in a bunch of the big free agents, land one of the young shortstops and one of the better starting pitchers available

Nick Plummer

2:53

Oof, Alex Reyes. Can pitchers "learn" command/control? He's still youngish and has electric stuff, but he has no idea where the ball is going to go when it leaves his hand. If he can't get that under control he's a middle inning relief guy at best. Is there any hope this former top prospect can learn to throw with *some* precision and have a decent-ish career as a closer or starter?

Anthony Franco

2:54

Guys can definitely develop strike-throwing ability, although I think a lot of is athleticism based as they grow into their bodies in their early 20's

2:55

Between Reyes' injury history, age (he's pushing 27 now) and lack of present control, I think he's done as a starter

2:56

But he has a 2.40 ERA this year despite all the walks. I buy that he could drop that a few percentage points and be a perennial All-Star reliever, yeah

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