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Connor Byrne
2:00
Hey everyone. We'll get started in a minute.
2:01
Let's begin with some Blue Jays...
Kelly Gruber’s Mullet
2:01
Now that the Mets have made their big trade and considering their desire to remain below the luxury tax threshold, are my Blue Jays the front-runners for George Springer and/or Trevor Bauer?
Connor Byrne
2:02
They're near the top of the list for those guys and other free agents. Toronto has made a serious effort to land at least one big fish (including Lindor), and though there hasn't been any luck so far, I expect them to succeed at some point. In the end, I believe Bauer, Springer, LeMahieu or Realmuto will go there.
Should’ve Signed Sugano
2:02
What’s the Jays’ biggest need this off-season: SP, RP, CF, or 3B? How do you think they’ll address these holes?
Connor Byrne
2:03
I'd probably vote SP there. It would be nice to see a surer thing as a complement to Ryu at the top of their rotation. Bauer would obviously be ideal. Ray, Stripling and Roark look iffy after last season, and Pearson's still young.
Soma in Brooklyn, WFAN reference
2:04
Two Mets questions - somewhat tied together. 1) They can't be content with their starting rotation, can they? 2) Is the plan to platoon Nimmo and Dom? Might they look to trade one for a #3/4 starter?
Connor Byrne
2:06
I think their rotation looks a lot better than most. Yes, Matz is a huge question mark, but the majority of teams would sign up for deGrom, Stroman, Carrasco and Peterson as a top four. And Syndergaard's supposed to be back in June. As for the outfield, not really sure what the plan is right now (depends in part on the Springer situation); as of now, though, barring a Springer signing AND if Nimmo and Smith are still Mets in 2021, they'll get plenty of at-bats.
Dallas
2:07
Which is more likely for the Mets, Bryant or Springer? (or both?)
Connor Byrne
2:08
Probably Bryant when considering the Mets' reported hesitance to surpass the luxury tax. And Bryant fits the type of player Sandy Alderson said he was interested in trading for, as someone on an expiring contract.
Rangers29
2:09
Prediction: Bauer goes to SF. The Mets have their rotation set for the year with Degrom, Stroman, Carrasco, Peterson, and Matz holding it down until Syndergaard comes back. The Yankees aren't signing him, the Padres aren't getting another pitcher, the only other team that I think *could* is Toronto but I think SF is set up better for Bauer. SF is a pitcher's park, they just signed his former personal catcher (Casali), and they have said that their financial restrictions are lifted. Bauer to SF!
Connor Byrne
2:10
Not an unreasonable prediction by any means. SF clearly needs a front-of-the-rotation starter and they seem like the type of forward-thinking organization Bauer would join. Problem is that they don't look like immediate contenders, and Bauer has said he wants to win every year.
MrRBI
2:10
Will any team bring in Jeff Luhnow as a GM? I think a small market team would be perfect...cough Pittsburg cough...
Connor Byrne
2:12
I'm not super optimistic because of what went down in Houston, but I don't think there's much doubt Luhnow is a really good GM. If I had a GM opening, I'd be interested in talking to him. Either way, I doubt he'll go to the Pirates, who hired Ben Cherington not too long ago.
Jorge78
2:12
Connor!  How many websites, social media feeds, alerts, media streams, etc. do you have to look at to get your articles?  It must be mind boggling!  Do you have minimum/maximum guidelines for inputting your personal opinion?  Thanks!
Connor Byrne
2:14
It's largely Twitter these days. You have to watch it like a hawk at all times because you never know when something big could happen. For the most part, we try not to opine. It's more important to just present the facts with this particular job.
Jorge78
2:14
Connor!  PC or Mac?  IPhone or Android?  Thanks!
Connor Byrne
2:15
I have a Mac and an Android. Not a fan of the Android, though.
CC
2:15
Now that Lindor is traded, do you think Trevor Story is moved next? Should the Rockies expect a similar return? I know it's not quite apples to apples because Carrasco was in the trade as well, but it has got to be indicative of the market. Do you think the Yankees would make a play for Story if they don't get LeMahieu?
Connor Byrne
2:16
I'd trade him from COL's standpoint, because I don't think they have much chance to contend next season. There won't be a Lindor return unless the Rockies pair Story with another big-time player (Marquez?) or at least someone like Jon Gray. And yes, Story would absolutely make sense for the Yankees. If LeMahieu walks, they should call the Rockies immediately.
Halos
2:17
What would it take for the Angels to acquire Contreras from the Cubs and how would the price change if Hendricks was added to the deal?
Connor Byrne
2:19
The price would change significantly. Hendricks is excellent and signed for affordable rates for the next few years. Just for Contreras, I'd expect the Angels to push for Brandon Marsh as a headliner. Too much for two years of team control? Possibly. But Contreras is a stud.
excuse me, *I'd expect the Cubs to push for Brandon Marsh*
MrRBI
2:19
Do you think Carlos Correa's 2020 Playoff leadership will force the Astros to sign him to an extension?
Connor Byrne
2:20
I think they should try to extend him no matter what.
Granted, Correa might not be all that eager to do it after a down season.
J Bird
2:21
What’s the holdup on the NL decision?
Connor Byrne
2:21
I'm guessing you're talking about the DH situation. I wish I had an answer for you. The fact that it has dragged on this long without a resolution is ridiculous.
Jason
2:22
With Robbie Grossman likely Signing with the Tigers, who is going to platoon with Mark Canha in Left Field for the A's? I see a myriad of near-ready Lefty-Batting options that could fill the role - Seth Brown, Dustin Fowler, Buddy Reed, Luis Barrera or Greg Deichmann. Who is the Favorite?
Connor Byrne
2:23
Barrera and Deichmann haven't played above Double-A, and Reed isn't on the 40-man right now, so Brown/Fowler are kind of the default answers
2:24
or maybe the A's will just sign some cheap OFer in free agency, though that doesn't look especially likely for a team that doesn't want to spend this offseason
Kirt
2:24
Will Eduardo Rodriguez (BOS SP) be healthy for spring training?
Connor Byrne
2:25
At last check, he's doing well and should be ready to go.
SteveM
2:25
Did the Josh Bell trade make any sense to you?
Connor Byrne
2:26
I probably wouldn't have done it from Pittsburgh's POV, considering how weak of a season Bell had. Too bad they didn't trade him a year ago.
SteveM
2:26
Two things I would like to see from the Twins. 1. sign Cruz for 2 years. We know why that hasn't happened yet but 2> bring back Odorizzi. Sign him for 3 years at, say 60m. I don't know what MLBTR projects for him but whatever it is they really need to bring him back. BONUS question...work a trade of some sort for Trevor Story.
Connor Byrne
2:27
I like all of these ideas, but Odorizzi shouldn't get that much. Without looking, I think we have him at 3/39, which seems fair.
M’s Fan
2:28
Why do so many AL teams, year after year, seem content to rotate players through the DH spot (aka waste it) when every year there are free agents like Cruz, Brantley, etc.? Can you think of times when this rotation method has truly been the best option?
The DH should be the best hitter possible, too many times I’ve watched clubs waste the DH spot on at bats for utility infielders and 4th outfielders as the season progresses and injuries obviously occur.
Connor Byrne
2:29
I don't disagree, though there aren't tons of star full-time DHs out there.
2:30
Off the top of my head, there's Cruz ... and guys like Ozuna and Brantley aren't full-timers just yet. I know both players have said they'd like to at least play in the field sometimes.
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