JotCast | Trade Rumors Front Office Chat | 12/17/2021

Trade Rumors Front Office Chat

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Anthony Franco

2:26

The modern "innings eater" is more like 150 frames with an ERA of 4.00-4.25. That kind of production is about what I'd expect from Michael Pineda or Tyler Anderson

mmddyyyy

2:26

How much harder is the infield than the outfield?

Anthony Franco

2:27

I think it really depends on the player. Infield requires better hands and smoother actions as you're moving laterally, since you need to be able to field the ball in position to quickly get rid of it

2:28

Outfield's more about straight line speed and comfort reading the ball's trajectory off the bat, at least in center

I'd say infield's generally harder -- at least up the middle -- but think there are some guys who can be great infielders but can't handle the outfield and vice versa

Will in Westport

2:29

As constituted now, which AL team has the best pitching rotation going into 2022 (presuming Opening Day is 31 March)? Which team has the greatest number of moves needed to be "successful"?

Anthony Franco

2:30

Good questions. Astros, White Sox and Blue Jays jump out to me as the top AL rotations

2:31

Greatest number of moves needed to be good? Well, the Orioles are the literal answer

But they're not trying to be good. I think the Twins are, but they need at least two starters, probably three

Slope

2:32

During the lockout, what exactly are the rules for GM's in terms of communicating with each other and agents? And what are you hearing is REALLY going on?

Jeremy

2:32

Do you think there is any illegal owner/GM and agent/player talks going on right now? Either with players under contract or FAs?

Anthony Franco

2:32

They can't talk with one another or agents about anyone on the 40-man roster technically

Agents regarding free agents signing major league deals, I should clarify

2:33

We're not really hearing anything. I'd guess there might be a little bit of back channel stuff, particularly with agents, but I think it's probably quiet for the most part

Kris Bryant

2:33

KB was supposed to be the next coming of Christ. The hype was crazy! What happened? He’s a very good player but it seems he’s been sort of lost amongst the talk of MLB stars

Anthony Franco

2:34

Ha, well that's a lofty expectation you had set. Tough one to live up to

In all seriousness, yeah I think you're right about his value. Very good player, no longer an MVP type

2:36

He just doesn't hit the ball as hard as he used to. I kind of wonder if it's related to the shoulder stuff he dealt with a couple years ago, although that's entirely speculative

Bartolo Colon

2:36

I CAN STILL PITCH 200 INNINGS

Dallas

2:36

Man, put Bartolo in the HoF simply for throwing 146.1 innings at 45! He won 44 games as a Met with a 3.90 era at 41-43 - GOAT

Anthony Franco

2:36

Ha, I'd love to see it

Matty Chaps

2:36

What kind of an offensive player am I? My defense is out of this world, but I’ve had some pretty gnarly peaks and valleys. Am I somewhere in the middle? Or am I a top 10 player who just needs to stay healthy?

Anthony Franco

2:37

Well, I encourage you to read the post I wrote for subscribers yesterday if you haven't already

2:39

But, long story short, I'm a little concerned. The fact that he's missing fastballs right down the middle at a rate that's higher than anyone else other than Keston Hiura -- who strikes out so often he can't stick in the majors -- is alarming

2:40

I looked through some video of those whiffs, and while I was mostly cherry-picking bad swings and am definitely not a hitting coach, it did seem like he was often just too late on like 91-93 MPH fastballs

2:41

I don't know that's it entirely uncorrectable, but the fact that he and the A's had diagnosed that as a problem in April and he still seemingly couldn't fix it is also a bit concerning

Steamer projects him to hit .220/.316/.428 next year. I'd take the over on that but not by a whole lot

Michael Conforto

2:41

"I used to be a contender", now I'm an after-thought. What do you see my value to be? Am I stuck taking a one-year "show me" deal? I think I'd fit well with a team like the Giants but I'm worried I'll float around until Spring Training starts. What say you?

Anthony Franco

2:42

I'm still in on Conforto, think he'd be a great fit in SF (or with any outfield-needy team really)

2:43

I never could find a real reason why his numbers tanked this year. He still hit the ball about as hard, struck out less than ever, walked a bunch. I'd be completely on board with a one-year deal as a team, but I think he could get three or four if he wants it

Just depends on whether he'd rather go for one, try to rebound, and look for $100M next winter if everything goes well

Juan Pierre

2:44

who are the best 5 players in the MLB right now? who are the 5 most exciting? and who are the 5 most intriguing guys who don’t get a lot of attention?

Anthony Franco

2:45

Hmm, I'd have to give this some more thought to have great answers. Off the cuff, I'd probably go Acuna, Trout, Soto, Tatís, Trea Turner in some order but could be convinced to throw a bunch of other guys in there

2:46

As far as intriguing but not enough attention, I still think Ketel Marte's under-appreciated. Keep awaiting the Alex Verdugo breakout, Willy Adames looks awesome now, Kyle Tucker's great but gets lost in the Astros' loaded lineup probably

Happy Friday

2:46

if you don’t mind, please predict the a’s opening day lineup for 2022 :)

Anthony Franco

2:47

Ok, let's see. Roster Resource has it as Kemp, Andrus, Olson, Chapman, Brown, Piscotty, Pinder, Murphy, Barrera right now

2:48

I'll assume Chapman and Olson get traded. And I'm going to cheat and throw Laureano in over Barrera even though I know he's not eligible to play Opening Day, since he'll be a regular once the suspension runs out

2:49

So to replace the Matts, I'll give them Brad Miller in free agency and Hiura as part of an Olson trade

Will in Westport

2:49

Ah, c'mon, Anthony … you don't include Shohei Ohtani in the 5 most exciting??!!

Anthony Franco

2:50

Didn't answer exciting, just best and under appreciated. Ohtani would for sure be in the "most watchable" group

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