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Trade Rumors Front Office Chat With Anthony Franco
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Anthony Franco
2:19
That's really tough to answer, because I'm sure teams have wildly differing opinions on Dominguez given both the immense physical tools and the risk of any player that far from the majors
2:20
I suspect it'd get their attention if the Yankees included like three more solid pieces (Luis Gil/Ken Waldichuk types, not Anthony Volpe)
Anxiously Awaiting
2:20
Okay, who will be the FIRST free agent to sign, and with whom?
Anthony Franco
2:20
Drew VerHagen with the Cardinals
2:21
Incredible job by me
My actual guess as far as notable players is Freddie Freeman, given all the pre-lockout chatter about how much he wanted to sign early
Dodgers I guess, idk
MinnieMitchell
2:22
What possible reason could it be to even think the Twins have a chance in hell of competeing. Last place in the AL Central is a lock.
Anthony Franco
2:22
Disagree. They need rotation and shortstop help badly, but they're clearly not done
2:23
If they add a couple starters, I think they'd be right in the mix with all the non-White Sox teams for second best team in the division
Salt Lake Bee
2:23
With Trout gone most of last year and his prime slipping away. Look, big contract or not any team would be ecstatic to have him. This assuming he is back to "Trout" standards. Sure LAA still needs some pitching depth and I'm not at all sold on their ability to really contend. Seattle is now in the mix. I think it's time for him to nudge a trade to a true contender. He's wasted in Los Angeles (Anaheim).
Anthony Franco
2:23
Not yet. I think you're trying to compete another two years minimum before you even consider that
mmddyyyy
2:24
How is the QO a positive for owners?
Anthony Franco
2:24
It barely is, just as it's barely a negative for players. Attaching the draft pick to free agents inherently devalues them a little bit, since teams have to calculate the pick's worth and subtract it from the amount of money they're willing to spend
2:25
So yeah, it probably knocks a few million bucks off free agent spending each season. But I think the $50-100MM valuation the union was putting out there was inflated
SteveM
2:25
How long does the new contract last for?
Anthony Franco
2:25
Five years
sgrossman
2:25
My  theory is that interest in baseball might actually be quite a bit higher this year. The sport has had unprecedented exposure through the winter, then is going to be "a headline every day" for the next 3+ weeks. What do you think?
Anthony Franco
2:25
I think people are going to care about baseball in March more than ever before
2:26
And by April they'll have moved past everything and it'll be as it was
Don
2:26
Given modern usage of bullpens, can you list the (almost) guaranteed full-time closers, who are likely to get 90% of their teams' saves? Obviously, guys like Iglesias and Hendriks, but who else, if healthy, should be full-timers?
Anthony Franco
2:27
Wow yeah, there's not many. Melancon for sure, Jansen probably but it depends where he signs. Kimbrel/Chapman same thing
Edwin Díaz
2:28
As far as young guys I'd bet on keeping the closer role all season though, Gregory Soto maybe? It's tough
Guest
2:28
Anthony, what are your thoughts on the Dodgers true needs for 2022? Will they pursue Freeman, if he is available ? If Kershaw does not resign, which pitcher should the Dodgers pursue? I am thinking Greinke or Castillo.
Anthony Franco
2:28
I don't think they truly "need" anything. They're the best team in the National League in my view, maybe the best team in baseball
2:29
So at that point, just identify special players and go after them regardless of position. Freeman, Kershaw obviously, guys like that
Which is pretty much what they've done in recent years. Didn't need starting pitching or infield help, but they acquired Bauer, Scherzer and Trea Turner anyways because they're all really good
Chaim Bloom
2:30
What will I do for signings/trades before opening day?
Anthony Franco
2:30
I think they'll add another impact bat. Schwarber reunion maybe, but I wouldn't be surprised if they jumped in on Freeman, Bryant or Correa
And then they'll add at least one reliever, probably two
2:31
Oh, that's the Red Sox btw
Lockout 2027
2:31
Theoretically, the QO is supposed to make it harder for richer teams to poach free agents from less rich teams by adding the draft pick loss disincentive, and give those "poor" teams a fighting chance to re-sign their good players at least for one more year.
Anthony Franco
2:31
It doesn't really do this
All the really good players reject it anyways
Lockout 2027
2:31
Draft pick compensation still applies to guys who were issued QOs for 2022, right?  Whether or not an international draft is agreed to by July?
Anthony Franco
2:32
Yeah, the draft/QO ties are for next offseason in the case of the QO and two offseasons from now in the case of the draft
Troy O’Leary
2:32
Thoughts on the new expanded playoffs?
Anthony Franco
2:32
I really liked the 10-team setup, thought it was perfect as is
2:33
But it was obviously never going to survive this CBA. So in that sense, I'm relieved they stopped at 12 rather than going to 14
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